The Archmerean - Fall 2020

The Archmerean FALL 2020 | Volume 92

Celebrating the 900th Jubilee of Prémontré Living Our Mission

SUSTAINING COMMUNITY Despite the formidable challenges presented by the pandemic in the spring of 2020, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and students sustained a sense of community and inter-connectedness. Faculty employed best practices and leveraged technology to migrate our entire academic program to an online platform overnight. Parents and alumni demonstrated a continued philanthropic commitment to Archmere, with our record-breaking Giving Day on May 20, and the successful completion of the Coach’s Field turf replacement campaign. Our alumni organized to show their support and love for the Academy with the formation of the Black Alumni Coalition, to collaborate closely with administration as we continue to build an inclusive and equitable Archmere for all.

in this issue

| Contents

The Archmerean

FEATURES

EDITOR & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

8

15

6

Learning together from home in Spring 2020

A reflection on the 900th Jubilee of Prémontré by Father Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

24

Stephanie Silverman ’00 ASSISTANT EDITOR

Rev. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

CONTRIBUTORS

Katherine Ball-Weir PP ’17 Timothy Dougherty Rev. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Thomas Mengers ’10 Emmet Bice ’18 John Cirillo Chinwendu Emedoh ’23 Leah Lightcap Rohit Mathur ’21 John Jordan ’80, PP ’12, ’15, ’18, CP ’21 Elaine Fry Reilly ’83 PP ’13, ’17, ‘20 Logan Duffy Chuck Anerino CP ’23 Denise Starnes ’93 Ainsley Hertrich Palladino ’05 Rohit Mathur ’21 Michelle Midgley Rev. Stephen Rossey, O.Praem Mark Smith ’86 Dr. Michael Marinelli, Ed.D. ’76 Archmere’s Faculty & Staff DESIGN

Innovative Distance Learning

DEPARTMENTS

Prepared for Every Good Work

Snapshot: Enduring Traditions Spirituality & Service Virtual Celebration of Holy Week connects Archmere community

26

Faculty & Staff News

18

Remembering Our Norbertine Heritage A special edition fold-out timeline traces our history to the founding of Prémontré in 1121 A.D.

32

38

Jessica Pei ’20 Selected a U.S. Presidential Scholar Demonstrating academic achievement, leadership, citizenship, service and contribution to her school and community

Melodee Dill Stephens

Faculty Spotlight A conversation with Michelle Midgely, World Languages & Cultures Department Chair

34

PHOTOGRAPHY

Around Campus

Barksdale Photography, Jim Graham Photography, and Stephanie Silverman ’00

Academics, Arts, Student Leadership, Athletics

The Archmerean is published twice annually to showcase how Archmere’s alumni, faculty, staff, and students embody our motto: Pietate et Scientia, Reverence and Wisdom.

49

Conversations Getting Social

45

Chinwendu Emedoh ’23 Speaks at United Nations An advocate for educational equity and girls’ science education

50

Celebrating the Archmere Class of 2020 Senior Parade, Commencement and Baccalaureate Service

3600 Philadelphia Pike Claymont, Delaware 19703

ArchmereAcademy.com

Alumni News

70

In Memoriam Remembering Amarachi Chukwunenye ’20

Dr. Michael Marinelli, Ed.D. ’76 Headmaster Katie Eissler-Thiel Principal

Archmere Academy is a Catholic, Norbertine college preparatory school, valuing community, respect, zeal, reverence and wisdom. Nurturing body and soul, mind and heart, Archmere focuses on the whole person through academic excellence, faith reflection, social development, and service to others. Inspired by its heritage, Archmere cultivates empathetic leaders – young men and women prepared for every good work.

60

54

66

The Archmere community steps up in 2019-20

The inspiring journey of Emmet Bice ’18 to Division 1 Baseball

State of the Academy

Keeping the Faith

FALL 2020

ON THE COVER A detail of the stained glass door to the Confession Room in the Immaculate Conception Oratory in Saint Norbert Hall. The prismatic color swirls in the faceted glasswork are the colors refracted by the stained glass window depicting Saint Norbert within. In this issue, we reflect upon our rich Norbertine heritage, which has sustained the spiritual foundation of our school community for 88 years.

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

1

From the Headmaster |

fall 2020

PERSPECTIVE ARCHMERE HAS BEEN A PART OF MY LIFE NOW SPANNING SIX DECADES.

I am so grateful to have been introduced to the Norbertine community in 1971 when I was 13. I really did not know much about the Norbertines before then, though I grew up only about a 10-minute drive from Archmere Academy. I attended Saint Helena School in Bellefonte, Delaware, and I was taught by the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Since an early age, I wanted to attend Archmere Academy, because I knew it was a Catholic school and had a reputation of academic excellence. Little did I know how much more the Archmere experience would shape me as a person, and how the school community would become a significant part of my life. The sense of community, created by the charism of the Norbertine priests who founded Archmere, is the reason why I and so many other faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends have such a special and enduring relationship with the Academy.

As we celebrate the 900th anniversary of the Norbertine Community beginning this Advent through the 2021 Christmas Season, it is important for us to reconnect with the vision of Saint Norbert, when he first founded the community in 1120.

This issue of The Archmerean is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the vision of Saint Norbert and the men and women who, over the centuries, have made it their life’s work to actualize that vision. Though we have no writings of Norbert, there are a number of scholars who have written about Saint Norbert over the years, and we have the stories of abbeys and school communities around the world word; common life, characterized by divestiture that have been founded in the Norbertine tradition. His first follower, Hugh of and austerity, presupposed common labor, and Fosse, however, and many other followers captured the spirit of Norbert’s vision work…” To further define common life, Ardura for his religious community. Even in the present day, we continue to draw on outlines that communities were these writings and the stories – instructed to provide: “daily oral and written. Our Norbertine “Life is a challenge; it is not easy Chapter Meeting(s) of the heritage spans various cultures, community for the reading of the countries, and periods in history to do something meaningful, to martyrology, morning offering that create a rich tapestry of an have courageous conversations, of the day’s work, reading of the international movement that to embrace self-sacrifice, to give Rule, accusation of faults and celebrates communio, which, at announcements by the superior – Archmere, we have interpreted up instant gratifications, to be corrected at once in order to avoid into the words: community, challenged academically only all loss of fervor, and creation of respect, zeal, reverence, and to be stretched again and again a common spirit to fight against wisdom. the tendency to individualism In 1995, Father Bernard beyond one’s own preconceived and to promote fidelity to the Ardura, O.Praem. of Frigolet limits of what is possible.” customs of the community; Lectio Abbey in France completed an divina – reading, meditation, extensive work on the history of MICHAEL A. MARINELLI, Ed.D. ’76 contemplation, and prayer (early the Norbertines, entitled, The Norbertines did not distinguish between Lectio Order of Prémontré: History and Spirituality. In his book, he discusses the essential divina and study); preaching…; welcom(e) [to] the elements of the apostolic life as understood by Norbert. As he states, they are: poor and pilgrims; and devotion to Mary.” “absolute renunciation of earthly possessions; the sharing of all temporal goods These elements of the common life of according to the needs of each one; harmony in unity and unity in harmony; Norbertines that support the charism of Saint poverty [as the] the preacher’s sole recommendation and guarantee of his 2

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

Norbert have shaped the sense of community that was formed and sustained at Archmere Academy since it was founded in 1932. It is a community where humility is celebrated, where members grow beyond their self-interests and want to know others who are different from themselves, where all are welcome and hospitality is ever-present, where respectful and peaceable conversations are the norm, and where celebrations of individuals’ talents and uniquenesses are encouraged. In light of our most recent conversations about systemic racism and social justice, particularly for Black people, we recognize, too, that the Archmere community needs to grow continually in its diversity and in fostering understanding and inclusivity of different perspectives and lived experiences. Fortunately, this growth in understanding others is a fundamental part of the Academy’s mission and beliefs; it is part of our Norbertine DNA. Edward Young, 18th century English poet, critic, philosopher and theologian said, “We are all born originals – why is it so many of us die copies?” If we truly understand Norbert’s life, it is a quest for purpose and identity. He was not satisfied with the status quo in government or in the Church of his day.

He was a reformer who wanted to make permanent change. Norbert’s questions about life resonate with young teenagers who are searching for answers to their questions, Why am I here? What is my purpose in life? What will make me happy and fulfilled? How might I use my talents and intellect to make the world a better place for others? Norbert’s response to these questions was a transformational change in his life, focusing not on his own success, but rather a complete focus on service to others. In his book, Man on Fire: The Life and Spirit of Norbert of Xanten, Tom Kunkel, President Emeritus of Saint Norbert College, quotes Norbertine scholar, Wilfried Grauwen, who wrote, “From 1118 onward, Norbert is and remains a pilgrim, a displaced person, expelled from his country, wandering about because of the Kingdom of God.” (p.65) He chose to give up a comfortable life of royalty and high Church position to first, preach reconciliation, reform, peace, and concord to people who would listen to him, and second, to establish a community of priests, brothers and sisters, both lay and ordained, who would live

in community reflecting the life of the apostles. Father Ardura’s outline of the fundamental tenets focus on the common good achieved through hard work.

Hard work is difficult. Life is a challenge; it is not easy to do something meaningful, to have courageous conversations, to embrace self-sacrifice, to give up instant gratifications, to be challenged academically only to be stretched again and again beyond one’s own preconceived limits of what is possible. Singer Lena Horn said, “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” And Harriet Beecher Stowe is quoted, “Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” That has always been Archmere’s approach to student achievement. With positive support and encouragement, students achieve great things. Beyond academics, as a school community, we also recognize the hard work we need to embrace as a community in accepting the challenge to meaningfully engage in self-reflection and courageous conversations about race and privilege.

We are living through a pandemic, which has affected nearly every aspect of our lives. It can be challenging to sustain a positive outlook and look beyond our

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

3

From the Headmaster |

fall 2020

(continued)

despondency at times, and I am sure that Norbert experienced what many saints have experienced – a loss of faith, a disillusionment – often called “The Dark Night of the Soul.” It is as though these people of faith had to face their selfdoubts and fears in responding to the questions about the purpose of their lives and the definitions of success and happiness, before coming to an experience of God’s presence and purpose in their lives – a call to serve others as Christ and his disciples did. T.S. Eliot in his poem, “The Little Gidding,” writes, “With the drawing of this Love and the voice of this Calling We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time.”

We are constantly “exploring” ourselves and growing in understanding and knowledge. Norbert prescribed a daily regimen for the members of his community to “explore” and find answers to their deepest questions. He asked them to meet daily and discuss issues and concerns openly and compassionately with one another. He insisted on daily prayer and study. He welcomed those less fortunate and shared with them what he had. He fostered a particular devotion to Mary, as she is an example of a person who said, “Yes” and gave her life completely in faith to God. These elements have always been a part of the Archmere community, some more pronounced than others at times in the Academy’s history.

I have personally worked with former Archmere Headmasters Father Justin Diny (1946-1983) and Father Joseph McLaughlin (1983-1996, 2006-2010) beginning in 1984. Over the years, I have met many alumni from the early years of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, who told me their personal stories and why they were so devoted to and grateful for Archmere.

One alumnus, the late Henri Wendel ’43, explained that when he finished medical school in the late 1940s, he did not have the funds to begin his practice.

Father Diny wrote a letter to the local bank endorsing the graduate, and Henri was given the loan to develop what would become a successful practice for decades to come. Consider how many people were helped by that one act of support!

Another graduate, Joe Melloy ’52, told me that his career plans after Archmere included securing a “managerial position” in a plant where his father worked. It was “good money” in the day and he would be “set for life.” He didn’t need a college degree. Archmere had other plans for him, and at the encouragement of Father Diny, he attended college, had a prestigious career in the armed forces as a pilot, and worked for a major corporation until his retirement. His service to country and his professional career afterwards insured the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

Alumnus and past parent, Joseph R. Biden, III, ’61, traces his leadership experiences back to his formative years as a student at Archmere, where he was president of his junior and senior classes. He has been a public servant for his entire career, and has achieved election to one of the highest political offices in the land.

A good friend and classmate of mine at Archmere in the 1970s received news one school day during his junior year that his mother passed away. His father had 4

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

died when he was in grade school, and he was an only child. He ended up living with his uncle for a time, until his uncle, too, passed away soon after his mother. His friends at Archmere helped him settle into a different apartment after his mother died.

The entire school community supported him in many ways throughout his senior year, after which, he earned a scholarship to an Ivy League university, moving onto a successful career in city planning and public service.

The Academy has evolved over the decades, having to become more attentive to policies and procedures to comply with government guidelines and regulations; however, there are still amazing transformational stories that are a testament to our special community every year. We respond to the members of our community who are in need, being as helpful as we can, through extensive financial assistance programs to sustain socio-economic diversity, through continuing and new initiatives around ethnic and racial diversity, or through

“If we are true to the charism and spirit of Saint Norbert… then we will continue to lead Archmere Academy with a spirit that is welcoming, that allows for respectful discourse, that honors and appreciates all individuals, that supports our community members in their times of need, and that continues to celebrate the Catholic Norbertine tradition.”

MICHAEL A. MARINELLI, Ed.D. ’76

networking opportunities through our AuksConnect Program, which pairs young alumni with alumni mentors in similar careers. This same empathetic and generous spirit is embodied in the members of the Class of 2020, who decided collectively to create a Class of 2020 Scholarship Fund to be used initially for current families impacted by the economic hardships of COVID-19. With the “pay-it-forward” philosophy exemplified by these young men and women and their families, our community will sustain the next generation of Archmereans – even in these challenging times.

It is through these genuine relationships that the vibrant and engaged Academy community is reflective of the common life Saint Norbert imagined.

Like Norbert’s model of community, times of unity are mixed with times of disruption, disagreement, and varying points of view that lead to discussion and decisions that may not always be viewed the same way from different members of the community. The Academy was dedicated to Mary of the Immaculate Conception when it was founded, and because of that dedication and blessing, we are on hallowed ground. We are in a space where we can discuss things civilly and respectfully, especially important in this most divisive time. Saint Norbert’s personal experience of division and disagreement catalyzed a new vision of reconciliation and reform. If we are true to the charism and spirit of Saint Norbert, and honor the sacrifices and works of so many professed men and women who followed Norbert over the centuries, then we will continue to lead Archmere Academy with a spirit that is welcoming, that allows for respectful discourse, that honors and appreciates all individuals, that supports our community members in their times of need, and that continues to celebrate the Catholic Norbertine tradition.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Marinelli, Ed.D. ’76 Headmaster

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

5

Snapshot |

6

THE ARCHMEREAN

enduring traditions in a changed context

FALL 2020

On the evening of June 27, 2020, Archmere Academy celebrated a Baccalaureate Service and Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2020. Typically two distinctive events, due to the complex logistics required for social distancing as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic, the events were combined into one outdoor ceremony. A Baccalaureate Service began at 5 p.m., and was immediately followed by the Commencement Exercises. The event took place on the front lawn of the Patio on a sunshine-filled evening and was livestreamed on YouTube.

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

7

INNOVATIVE Distance Learning Learning Together from Home in Spring 2020

Photo by Chuck Anerino CP ’23

THOUGH ARCHMERE ACADEMY REMAINS ROOTED IN A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE AND A RICH HISTORY GROUNDED IN OUR NORBERTINE HERITAGE, WE HAVE ALWAYS CONTINUED TO LOOK FORWARD AT THE

migration of the Academy’s rigorous program to an interactive, engaging, and fun distance-learning model. Teachers saught out new technologies and tools to ensure that classes are interactive and remain highly engaging for students while “learning together from home.”

As we planned for the fall of 2020 reopening and course scheduling process, teachers created a total of 76 short movies (a combined 15 hours of original footage) on FlipGrid for a Virtual Course Fair experience on Tuesday, April 21, so that students could make informed choices about their schedule and elective classes for 2020-21. By the second day the Flipgrid link went live, the videos had 4,946 views and over 208 hours of student engagement.

EVER-SHIFTING LANDSCAPE OF THE FUTURE. Frontiers of technology, innovation, and innovative programming continue to remain at the forefront of our educational priorities and forward-thinking vision of education. Fortunately, Archmere’s forward-thinking educational model, modeled after higher education, meant that we were prepared with a 1:1 Mac laptop program, tools, technology, software, and faculty expertise to rise to meet the challenges presented by distance learning in the spring of 2020.

Passion for teachicontinng, creativity, and an unwavering dedication to students is clearly evident in the success of Archmere Academy’s seamless transition to a distance learning model. In addition to scheduled academic classes, students continue to “meet” and participate virtually for clubs, worship, activities, arts, and athletics programs. Fortunately, long before the global pandemic struck, Archmere was already an established 1:1 Mac laptop program, with robust technology infused into each course and subject area.

A true spirit of interdepartmental collaboration and sharing of technology best-practices and tools among teachers is something that happens organically on campus daily, and hasn’t changed since the COVID 19 pandemic suspended classes on March 16. Technology tools, apps, and software already familiar to students and teachers have now been augmented with Left: Theology Department Chair Mr. Matthew Chominski provides an overview of his course additional interactive technologies to ensure the in the April Virtual Course Fair. Pictured right: A Social Justice class held over zoom.

8

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

EXAMPLES OF ARCHMERE DISTANCE LEARNING EXPERIENCES BY DEPARTMENT World Languages & Cultures The World Languages & Cultures Department used Flipgrid and iMovie as opportunities for students to continue to hone their language and presentational skills. Students have created everything from Environmental PSAs to video tours of their homes, all delivered in their world language and presented remotely.

Other tools leveraged to support real-time instruction include Polleverywhere, Kahoot, QuizletLive, Gimkit, Zoom and the Google Suite.

The inclusion of authentic resources did not shift as a result of the remote learning model, as teachers continued to show and discuss videos through Yabla, Edpuzzle, and ThisIsLanguage.

Educational scavenger hunts using apps such as GooseChase provided a creative opportunity for students to demonstrate comprehension of the target language, finding objects and posting pictures of items while learning at home.

True Tech Support 1. Une chose vivante (qui n’est pas un membre de famille!)

World Languages and Cultures Department Chair Katie Eissler Thiel spoke to the larger lesson in our new learning context. “Perhaps most importantly, the pandemic has brought our global interconnectedness to light, and has further highlighted the need for sustained communication and collaboration on an international scale.”

Math All the teachers in the Math department used their Smart Boards from home to teach their classes on Zoom. Zoom Breakout Rooms provided opportunities for student small group collaboration, closely simulating the classroom experience. Math teachers rotated to each break out room to provide tailored one-on-one support to students..

Math Department Chair Vinita Lobo was happy to hear many students say that the distance-learning math class “feels very much like we’re all still in the classroom at Archmere together.” Students continued to have the same opportunity to schedule one-onone math help from their teachers in Zoom sessions during their “free periods” as well as during teacher office hours at the end of the scheduled school day.

Students in Algebra2/Trigonometry taking a real-time Math test on Zoom.

Shared Smart documents in a Zoom class

FALL 2020

Academic Technology Coordinator Maria Elena DiPietro provided regular 1:1 instructional training opportunities for teachers. She has also distributed a variety of resources and tools to leverage the power of educational technology, with the goal of closely approximating the connectedness of the regular classroom experience, and to ensure highly engaging and dynamic learning experiences even while Archmere’s learning community is physically distanced. Director of Academic Technology Carl Campion ’76 continued to tirelessly support students and faculty 1:1, and even assisted with a few laptop repairs and remote software updates during our distance learning program to ensure uninterrupted delivery.

In preparation for the reopening of school in the fall of 2020, Mr. Campion installed high-definition cameras and microphones into classrooms, and upgraded our technology infrastructure to support the new needs and demands of a blended learning environment.

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

9

Innovative Distance Learning |

Archmere experiences

(continued)

English During the English Department’s transition to distance learning, teachers used a number of methods supported by our already strong one-toone learning platform. The school’s LMS (Learning Management System) MyArchmere made it possible to continue to communicate assignments in one familiar space, and teachers maintained regular classroom activities such as literary discussion posts, blogging, Keynote presentations, and reading assessments. Typical English assignment posts include a link to flipped lecture and personalized journal prompt. For writing, English teachers continue to use Google Docs for drafting, peer editing, and annotating. These tools, in addition

Here, some of our sophomores identify lines from the poem that spoke to them and then made a connection to their own increasingly quiet worlds quarantined at home.

to turnitin.com, also allow for timely teacher feedback and maximize real-time student-teacher interaction and personalized learning.

English Department Chair Karen Linton also recognized the opportunity of the present moment for written expression. “In terms of course content, as a department we’ve discussed our responsibility as teachers to acknowledge the experiences of the past few weeks and their impact on students’ lives. As we work to craft authentic lessons, we recognize that text-to-life and text-to-world connections provide a key entryway into our subject for many students. To this end, many of us incorporated short reflections, journaling, and creative writing opportunities in class to validate student experience and allow for relevant connections to course material.”

For example, to celebrate National Poetry Month, English Teacher Tricia Maher asked students to read “The Quiet World” by Jeffrey McDaniel. They used Flipgrid to share their favorite lines and to make a connection to our world of social distancing today. Ms. Maher then made a MixTape on Flipgrid which highlights several student responses.

The English Department also implemented new technologies that enhanced our strong online format. Zoom and QuickTime facilitate teacher instruction both in real-time and in recorded sessions for asynchronous work. Our flipped lectures allowed students to control the pace of learning, returning to important concepts as needed. During synchronous classes, Zoom breakout rooms, in which mixed groups work together privately, promoted student-centered learning.

Finally, Flipgrid granted students the chance to record their own thoughts on a topic and share insights with members of their class.

History

Scan this QR code with your phone camera to go to the Archmere Athletics Twitter account.

Athletics The Athletic Department continued to provide daily workouts for all student athletes on our Auks Twitter account at twitter.com/AuksAthletics thanks to the expertise of Athletic Trainers Mr. Malseed and Mrs. Sturdivant. Several coaches held Zoom meetings with athletes to encourage staying active and positive while sports were temporarily paused.

10

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

For the past several years, members of the History Department have utilized the flipped lecture format and various online learning apps, such as Flipgrid, Sutori, and online testing applications such as ExamSoft, which has made adapting to the transition of the distance learning model a seamless one. This spring, the department incorporated mapping tools, such a Google Draw. Interactive learning videos such as edpuzzle and Khan Academy engage our visual learners.

Domenico Anerino ‘23 attends class virtually from home in the spring of 2020.

Science The Science Department shifted into online teaching utilizing a variety of methods including Zoom live instruction, flipped classroom assignments, recorded lectures with corresponding assignments, simulations using Phet from the University of Colorado, assorted laboratory demonstrations from lab companies such as Flinn, Carolina and Vernier, and virtual labs. Freshman Biology students continued their genetics study with an online lab regarding Hardy Weinberg Principle. Anatomy and Physiology students studied factors affecting blood pressure over the break. Chemistry students performed a virtual lab to explore solutions complete with a spring break activity to further study properties of solutions through activities using easily procured items to prepare rock candy and ice cream. Food Chemistry enjoyed “quarantine baking” while supplying their families with quick breads, scones, a dutch baby for breakfast, and noknead bread!

Physics students utilized a virtual laboratory platform in order to maintain the hands-on learning experience of the laboratory while studying remotely. Here, science teacher JR Creekmore ’11 is working with a lab duo on their experiment where they are investigating the strength of the force produced when charges move through a magnetic field – known as the Lorentz force. This is the phenomenon that powers electric motors.

Jacob ’22 and younger brother Adam Nowaczyk explored rock candy from supersaturated solutions.

Breads baked by Food Chemistry students

Student Clubs & Activities Archmere’s Student Council and Video Announcements Club continued their primary function of building and sustaining community. Student-created Friday video announcements were produced and shared each week, and the members of the club met via Zoom to plan and develop fresh content. The Student Council met weekly throughout the Spring to discuss how the groups might best serve the student body. Several student experiences were planned to creatively meet the social and community needs of our students while at home. Student-generated ideas included home scavenger hunts, a game/trivia night, a virtual CoffeeHouse, a movie night, a Zoom dance, discussion sessions at lunch, Zoom Ted talks, an NBA 2K Tournament, and a student takeover of our social media accounts.

Students continued to jury entries for Tapestry, the student-published fine arts and literary magazine published each spring, and also continued to closely collaborate to complete the school yearbook, The Patio, virtually using online layout, design and publishing software. Both publications were completed on schedule.

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

11

Innovative Distance Learning |

Archmere experiences

(continued)

College Counseling

Acrylic collage pieces by Ava Passehl ’22 (above) and Katie Acuna-Martinez ’22 (right) created under Terry Newitt’s distance mentoring and art instruction.

Fine Art Mr. Terry Newitt’s Acrylic Painting class created mixed-media collages inspired

by Benon Lutaaya, a Ugandan-born, South Africa-based artist. Mr. Newitt reviewed photos of student artwork in progress shared by his students throughout the day, and communicated specific real-time feedback and step-by-step instruction to each student as students completed their AP Studio Art Portfolios for the College Board.

Choral Music Concert Choir leveraged YouTube to compare and critique various performances of the music that were originally planned for our Spring Concert. Students critiqued three different performances of each piece, citing which performance they preferred, and provided specific examples of what they considered successful components of the performances and what needed improvement. They were also assigned a piece where they needed to find three different performances on YouTube.

In the Music Department’s course The History of the Broadway Musical, the class watched and discussed West Side Story. As a related assignment, students then wrote a new version of West Side Story dealing with our new present-day conflicts and issues. The class then presented their original stories via a Zoom presentation. To conclude the spring semester, the class viewed Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods and compared the differences in the musical styles that Sondheim created.

12

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

The College Counseling Department remained engaged with students in both the junior and senior classes throughout the transition to online learning.

The College Counseling Department conducted Junior Family Meetings utilizing Zoom.

“We have been able to continue having productive conversations that included discussions regarding senior year schedules, fit factors, college lists, and how to make the best out of the current situation in regards to the college search process,” says Mr. Chris Boehm, Archmere’s Director of College Counseling. “Additionally, we have used Zoom to engage very large group meetings with both the senior and junior classes. For seniors, College Counseling held daily “College Coffees” via Zoom as an informal opportunity to check in with seniors as they made their final decisions on where they’d like to call home for the next four years.” A Junior College Seminar meeting was held via Zoom to update students on the current implications of COVID-19 on standardized testing, campus visits, and more. Additionally, the department moved forward with their typical curriculum emphasizing the importance of a balanced college list.

Archmere Academy’s Director of College Counseling Mr. Chris Boehm (pictured right) meets with the Lee family.

Associate Director of College Counseling Ms. Catherine Souza leads Junior College Seminar via zoom.

LOOKING AHEAD

Unwavering Optimism and Faith

By Tim Dougherty, Director of Academics, Global Studies Program Coordinator, and English Teacher EVER SINCE I LET GO OF MY MOTHER’S HAND

AND

WALKED

INTO

MY

KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOM, I HAVE LOVED GOING TO SCHOOL. The many

issues that now complicate the delivery of Archmere’s outstanding academic curriculum and faith-based culture have not diminished that enthusiasm; I still love going to school. In fact, I’m strangely energized by the necessity of confronting the myriad challenges before all of us. I truly feel that because the entire community of Archmere Academy is cognizant of what we want our students to experience and to achieve, we are well-positioned to face and to manage the uneven path before us.

The first order of business was—and the question on everyone’s mind seemed to be—what’s the schedule going to look like? Considering what parents, students, and teachers were seeking (five full days of on-campus learning for all students) the unique schedule we created satisfies these and other expectations as much as possible: eight “blocks” are scheduled over two days , with each of those four blocks running two consecutive 45-minute periods, for an eight-period day—to guarantee safely-distanced class sizes of 7-10 students. This sequence happens Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/ Friday. Science labs, Health classes, Junior and Senior College Seminars, Campus Ministry, teacher-student conferences, Community Service opportunities, clubs and activities, and even some Wellness programs take place each Wednesday.

In addition to in-person (synchronous) classes, teachers prepare and provide asynchronous lessons; 30-45-minute lessons will maintain the rigor, continuity, and momentum of our curriculum and combine instruction (via prerecorded video or podcast, for instance) and activity (student engagement with the content). With the addition of Wednesday’s science labs and Health classes, this innovative schedule design allows us to meet Archmere’s standard five full days of instruction while protecting and maintaining our many auxiliary and arts programs. Knowing that not every student will choose to attend classes on campus,

teachers will present content live in the classroom and also record their classes via classroom camera/Zoom so that all students can access class content live or later.

Our on-campus schedule was designed to be flexible, and to pivot instantly to a remote learning model in the event Archmere has to close for any period of time. In this model, the formerly split class rosters will now be combined into one synchronous class, will meet on Zoom, and continue as before. Wednesdays will become a day to study, to focus on asynchronous work, and to continue meeting with teachers virtually for individual and small group conferences. To ensure that our more hands-on classes continue their special tasks, students in science and art classes will be able to work from virtual labs and art kits prepared and distributed in August.

Our new academic tableau depends upon the creativity, the cooperation, the flexibility, the patience, and a commitment from everyone in the Archmere community: teachers and parents, students and administrators, staff and maybe even St. Norbert himself.

The singular goal in the design of our dramatically different academic plan has been to provide uninterrupted delivery of the Archmere education and experience we all appreciate and love. I’m excited to be a part of the success and creative opportunity of the 2020-21 school year, and I hope that you are, too.

Known around campus for his sense of humor and upbeat outlook, Director of Academics Mr. Tim Dougherty greets the Class of 2020 with a ‘double thumbs-up’ as they parade through campus in their decorated cars on Sunday, May 31, 2020.

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

13

14

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

Prepared for Every Good Work

By Rev. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem

ON JUNE 29, 1932, NORBERTINE FATHER MICHAEL MCKEOUGH WAS

Archmere Patio, gazing intently at the magnificent skylight and the flags draped over the railings. As we stood there watching this, our attention was MONTANA WHEN HE RECEIVED A LETTER OF APPOINTMENT FROM ABBOT attracted to the marble stairway. Here we beheld BERNARD PENNINGS, O.PRAEM. TO BE THE FOUNDING HEADMASTER OF Father McKeough, the headmaster, approach us.

ARCHMERE ACADEMY IN CLAYMONT, DELAWARE. After delaying several After a friendly greeting, he directed us toward the hours Father McKeough responded by telegram at 6:30 pm: “Will do as you wish. chapel, where the first school year was appropriately Sounds great.” inaugurated with holy Mass” (page 24).

Norbertines from DePere, Wisconsin served as pastors of six parishes in On the night of September 14, 1932, Father Northern Montana, as far west as Cut Bank and as far east as Hingham, from McKeough wrote to Abbot Pennings: “We started 1914 to 1983. Father McKeough had been suffering from tuberculosis between this morning with sixteen boys; another came September 1921 and 1931, before being appointed professor of philosophy at Saint this afternoon. Of these Norbert Abbey and Saint Norbert College in 1931. No doubt only two are boarders… I Father McKeough was in Shelby, Montana, near Glacier The phrase Prepared for feel confident we shall have National Park, to aid his recuperation from tuberculosis.

Every Good Work appears twenty before long. This is a He certainly was not expecting a new assignment to begin in Archmere’s Mission small proportion of the fifty a private secondary school in Claymont, Delaware, on an we had hoped for. However, estate just south of a steel mill. statement, on the school ring considering everything, I am In a letter to Abbot Pennings from Shelby on July 8, under the image of Saint satisfied… We shall carry 1932, Father McKeough wrote, “When I received your Norbert, and it is also the on the best we can this year first letter, the whole proposition took my breath away.” motto of Norbertine Order. and trust that we will survive With his chronic lung problems Father McKeough had In 2020, The Norbertine until next year.” There was no doubt been short of breath. Shortly after writing the Order is celebrating its no shortness of breath in July 8 letter, Father McKeough drove the 1,311 miles from Father McKeough’s words, Shelby to DePere, WI to prepare for his 960 mile journey 900th Anniversary Year. but, rather, confidence, to Claymont, De. Father McKeough arrived in Wilmington hope, gratitude, trust, and by train on August 5, 1932, and moved to the Archmere the virtues of faith and patience, Saint Norbert’s estate on Monday, August 8, just one month after admitting to Abbot Pennings the last words to his followers just before he died in challenge he felt at opening a new high school. Between August 5 and September Magdeburg, Germany on June 6, 1134.

14, the first day of school, Father McKeough advertised Archmere Academy in the In his 2019 biography of Saint Norbert, Man local newspapers, recruited students, assembled a faculty, set up the curriculum, on Fire, Dr. Thomas Kunkel, President of Saint and readied the two campus buildings, The Patio and The Manor, to meet the Norbert College from 2008 to 2017, described Saint needs of high school students.

Norbert in Chapter Four as “The Wanderprediger,” In Archmere’s second yearbook, the 1936 Patio, the late Robert F. Kelly ’36 the “itinerant preacher,” a member of a movement wrote, “One morning in September 1932 sixteen young boys stood together in the SERVING FOR THE SUMMER AT SAINT WILLIAM PARISH IN SHELBY,

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

15

Prepared for Every Good Work |

900th Jubilee of Prémontré

(continued)

of preachers “who were committed to an almost there was a little chapel dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, the patron of the literal emulation of the roving ministry and humble movement of itinerant preachers. Norbert spent the night alone in prayer and existence of Christ’s own apostles” (page 51). Kunkel when the bishop returned the next morning, Norbert said, “I will remain here, concluded his chapter by saying, “Indeed, after Father, because I know that God has destined this place for me” (Man on Fire, page Norbert established his Order at Prémontré, he 74). On March 28, 1120, Easter Sunday, Norbert and 13 companions were vested would leave the community in the white habit of the Norbertine Order. On December whenever he could to go 25, 1121, Norbert and 39 companions professed their vows From Norbert of Xanten back on the road.” Kunkel at Prémontré, enrolling themselves as Joseph and Mary did to Hugh of Fosses, from quoted Norbertine Father in Bethlehem at the first Christmas. However, Prémontré Father Bernard Pennings Wilfried Grauwen of Postel would not be the last stop on Norbert’s spiritual journey or Abbey in Belgium: “From his final resting place. of Berne Abbey to Father 1118 onward, Norbert is Papal approval of the Norbertine Order occurred on Michael McKeough of and remains a pilgrim, a February 16, 1126. Norbert had journeyed from Prémontré Saint Norbert Abbey we see displaced person, expelled to Rome, a distance of 896 miles. Norbert was back at disciples of Jesus fulfilling from his country, wandering Prémontré in late May 1126. Soon, however, Norbert His commission: “Go into the about because of the was asked to go to Germany, and during that journey whole world and proclaim Kingdom of God.” was appointed Archbishop of Magdeburg. He arrived at In 1119, however, Norbert Magdeburg on July 18, 1126, barefoot and mistaken for a the Gospel to every creature” met Bishop Bartholomew beggar. A week later he was consecrated as Archbishop of (Mark 16:15). of Laon in France. Initially Magdeburg, a city 516 miles east of Prémontré, and a way Bishop Bartholomew asked of life infinitely farther from the monastic life lived in the Norbert to become the superior of a small Valley of Prémontré, where he had lived the professed life for just four group of canons at Saint Martin’s Church in and a half years.

Archbishop Norbert had all the typical duties that bishops have in leading Laon. When that plan did not materialize, and ministering in a diocese. Norbert also had two other pre-occupations: Bartholomew suggested to Norbert that guiding the young Premonstratensian Order and serving as a counselor Norbert form his own community. The to the Emperor Lothair. In 1128 Norbert appointed Hugh of Fosses to bishop showed Norbert a site ten miles from Laon, in a valley called Prémontré, where succeed him at Prémontré. Norbert established a Norbertine Community in Magdeburg in 1129. In August 1132, Norbert made his final journey to Rome, a distance of 908 miles. He was in Rome for the crowning of Lothair as emperor on June 4, 1133. By August Norbert was back in Germany, suffering from exhaustion that came from his extensive travels and also probably from malaria contracted in Rome. Norbert arrived back at Magdeburg on Ash Wednesday, February 28, 1134. He celebrated his last Mass on April 15, Easter Sunday, seated during Mass due to illness. On June 3, Pentecost Sunday, he was anointed with the Sacrament of the Sick, urging his confreres to be people of “faith and patience.” Norbert died on June 6, 1134, and was buried at Magdeburg on June 11.

On August 3, 1134, just two months after Norbert’s death, the Abbey of Berne was founded in the Netherlands, 400 miles west of Magdeburg, an abbey still in existence today, the oldest continuous religious community of religious in the Netherlands.

16

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

Throughout its 886 years the abbey has known times of growth and times of diminishment, especially during times of political and religious turmoil. For over 200 years the community life was suppressed until February 2, 1857, when confreres were again able to live the common life.

On October 26, 1879, 18-year-old Henry Pennings was vested with the white habit in Berne Abbey and given the religious name Bernard. He professed vows in 1881 and was ordained a priest on June 19, 1886. He was appointed professor of philosophy in 1889, master of novices in 1890, and professor of moral theology in 1892 – all key positions in an abbey just rising from years of suppression. His future in Berne Abbey was very secure.

On July 20, 1893, Bishop Sebastian Messmer of Green Bay, WI, wrote to Abbot Augustine Bazelmans of Berne Abbey asking for missionaries to serve the Dutch and Flemish immigrants of Green Bay who were leaving the Catholic Church to join a schismatic church. On August 10, 1893, Abbot Bazelmans accepted Bishop Messmer’s request. Abbot Bazelmans appointed Father Bernard Pennings the head of the missionary venture. Father Pennings and two Norbertine companions sailed from Rotterdam, Holland on November 1, 1893; they arrived in Hoboken, NJ on November 13, and Father Pennings was in his parish in Delweiche, WI

by November 25. By 1896, three more Dutch Norbertines had arrived to help.

Father Pennings went to Holland in 1898 and returned with five more Dutch Norbertines. On September 28, 1898, Father Pennings opened St. Norbert Priory at St. Joseph’s Shrine in De Pere, WI He announced a school to be opened for the training of students for the priesthood; the first student arrived on October 11, 1898, the beginning of the Norbertine educational apostolate in America – Saint Norbert High School and Saint Norbert College.

In 1906, 15-year-old Michael J. McKeough began 9th grade at West High School in Green Bay. In January 1908, Michael transferred to St. Norbert High School. After graduation from high school in 1910, he attended St. Norbert College for two years and then was vested with the white habit on August 28, 1912; he was ordained on December 3, 1917, and, like Father Pennings, began

teaching philosophy, earning a Ph.D in Philosophy from the Catholic University in 1926. He also served as master of novices and was teaching philosophy at Saint Norbert Abbey when Abbot Pennings appointed him to be the founding headmaster of Archmere. Like the zealous teacher and missionary, Bernard Pennings, Michael McKeough accepted his new assignment with zeal: “Will do as you wish.

Sounds great.”

In 2015 we marked the 900th anniversary of Norbert’s conversion and ordination. On March 28, 2020, we marked the 900th anniversary of Norbert’s vestition with the white habit. On December 25, 2021, we shall mark the 900th anniversary of Norbert’s profession of vows. From Norbert of Xanten to Hugh of Fosses, from Father Bernard Pennings of Berne Abbey to Father Michael McKeough of Saint Norbert Abbey we see disciples of Jesus fulfilling His commission: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

These Norbertines, walking in unity of mind and heart, were apostles of peace, “men on fire,” “burning like lamps” (motto of Berne Abbey), prepared for every good work – in Xanten and Prémontré, Magdeburg and Berne, Shelby, MT and Green Bay, WI, Claymont, DE and Philadelphia, PA – all responding in the spirit of the words of Father Michael McKeough to Abbot Bernard Pennings on June 29, 1932: “Will do as you wish. Sounds great.”

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

17

Remembering Our Norbertine Heritage

Beginning with Advent 2020 through the 2021 Christmas Season, we pause to reconnect with Saint Norbert’s vision when he founded the Order of Prémontré in 1120. In the timeline that follows, we trace the Norbertine’s founding of Archmere and recall key moments in both the Order’s and the Academy’s remarkable history.

18

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

JANUARY 31, 2017 Abbot Richard Antonucci O.Praem blessed the newly-renovated St. Norbert Hall

NOVEMBER 11, 1989 Father Diny died at Sacred Heart Hospital, Chester, Pennsylvania.

JUNE 16, 1980 Archmere’s Board of Trustees met for the first time; there were fifteen trustees, including Abbot John Neitzel, O.Praem. who served as Chair for first nine years.

OCTOBER 12, 2007 Bishop Michael Saltarelli dedicated the McLaughlin/ Mullen Student Life Center.

NOVEMBER 1, 1983 Bishop Thomas Mardaga of Wilmington dedicated Archmere’s Library and Performing Arts Center, and celebrated the first school Mass in the new theater.

1980

2020 PRESENT DAY Despite the global pandemic of 2020, Archmere opened the school year on August 31 with 515 students and a wait-list.

JULY 1, 2010 Michael A. Marinelli ’76 becomes first lay headmaster of Archmere

2000 1990 2010

MARCH 17, 1982 Ground was broken for the new Performing Arts Center (anniversary of the death of Abbot Pennings, founder of Archmere).

2020

APRIL 7, 2016 Archmere celebrated 40 years of coeducation at the Academy, the small gym is renamed “The Marcy Aitken Gymnasium.”

DECEMBER 14, 2007 The Joseph F. Moglia field house, originally built in 1967, was dedicated and renamed.

1980 Archmere Football State Champions

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

23

JUNE 6, 1134 Death of Saint Norbert at Magdeburg

AUGUST 3, 1134 The founding of Berne Abbey in Holland

NOVEMBER 1, 1893 Abbot Bernard Pennings, O.Praem., the founder of Archmere, and two Norbertine companions, boarded the S.S. Veendam in Holland to come to America as missionaries.

FEBRUARY 10, 1164 Abbot Hugh of Fosses died at the Norbertine Abbey of Prémontré in France at age 70. He had met Saint Norbert in 1119, was deeply affected by Norbert’s preaching and lifestyle, and joined the first Norbertine community at Prémontré.

1070-1080 Birth of Norbert

1070

1100

DECEMBER 25, 1121 Saint Norbert and about forty companions professed religious vows with the first Norbertine community in the The Abbey of Prémontré in France.

1115 Ordination of Norbert

JULY 28, 1582 The canonization of Saint Norbert

1500 1128 Hugh succeeds Norbert as head of the Norbertine Order.

JULY 25, 1126 Norbert is consecrated Archbishop of Magdeburg in Germany

1800 AUGUST 10, 1893 Abbot Augustine Bazelmans, O.Praem. of Berne Abbey in Holland, with the unanimous consent of his Council, agreed to send Norbertines to work in the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Bishop Sebastian Messmer of Green Bay had made the written request just a month before, on July 10, 1893.

MAY 28, 1115 Conversion of Norbert

OCTOBER 26, 1879 Abbot Bernard Pennings, O.Praem, the founder of Archmere, entered Berne Abbey.

In gratitude...

This timeline represents the combined research and scholarship efforts of both Father Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem and Father Stephen Rossey, O.Praem.

1767 Statue of Saint Norbert – St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy

MARCH 19, 1879 Birth of John J. Raskob

NOVEMBER 30, 1894 Mrs. Helena Green Raskob was born in Maryland

1921 Mrs. Raskob completed a book detailing the planning and construction of The Patio.

In part, she wrote, “Archmere is now a beautiful dream come true. But the greatest charm, aside from the voices of the children, is the homelike spirit which has been fostered in these walls.”

JULY 7, 1932 “When I received your first letter, the whole proposition took my breath away.” Letter of Father McKeough in Montana to Abbot Pennings in Wisconsin.

SEPTEMBER 28, 1898 Saint Norbert Priory opened in West DePere, Wisconsin, the home of the future Saint Norbert College and Abbey.

JUNE 18, 1906 Helena Springer Green married John Raskob

1900

1932 Raskob Family just before leaving Archmere

AUGUST 15, 1932 Father Michael McKeough, O.Praem., Archmere’s first headmaster, met with Mr. John Raskob in his office in Wilmington concerning a first payment for the property of Archmere.

1918 The Patio construction was completed.

1910

1920

1930 AUGUST 8, 1932 Father McKeough arrived at Archmere AUGUST 6, 1932 The local Wilmington newspapers carried the story of the opening of Archmere Academy

AUGUST 1, 1910 John and Helena Raskob moved from their home in Wilmington to their new home at Archmere with their first four children. Nine more children were born at Archmere.

JUNE 25, 1932 Abbot Bernard Pennings, O.Praem met with John Raskob at Congress Hotel in Chicago, for purchase of Archmere by the Norbertines for $300,000.

NOVEMBER 13, 1893 Abbot Bernard Pennings, O.Praem., the founder of Archmere, arrived in New Jersey on the S.S. Veendam from Holland with two Norbertine companions; 23 other Dutch Norbertines would later join them in America as missionaries in Wisconsin.

JUNE 29, 1932 Father Michael McKeough, O.Praem. in Montana, received a letter from Abbot Bernard Pennings, O.Praem. appointing him the first headmaster of Archmere Academy. Father McKeough telegraphed his response that same day: “Will do as you say. Sounds great.”

SEPTEMBER 14, 1932 Archmere’s first school year began.

1939 Archmere’s first gymnasium was opened.

AUGUST 28, 1946 Abbot Pennings appointed Father Justin Diny as Archmere’s fourth headmaster

OCTOBER 12, 1932 Bishop Edmond Fitz Maurice dedicated Archmere.

1940 OCTOBER 23, 1934 Archmere’s school song, composed by faculty member Father Robert Sromovsky, O.Praem., was performed for the first time in public.

SEPTEMBER 28, 1932 Archmere’s Mothers Guild was organized.

SEPTEMBER 15, 1932 Archmere’s first football team was organized.

1930s Archmere Gates

1950 MARCH 17, 1955 Abbot Bernard Pennings dies in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

MAY 11, 1934 The first co-ed drama production, The Show Off, was performed.

JANUARY 8, 1933 The first music concert was held in The Patio, sponsored by the Archmere Mothers Guild. The Green Concert Series, now held in The Patio, continues the music tradition.

Archmere’s enrollment continued to climb in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. In 1957, Archmere Academy celebrated its 25th anniversary with the groundbreaking for St. Norbert Hall to accommodate the growing student body.

1979-1980 Band and Choral instruction were added to the curriculum.

Manor Hall becomes the home of Archmere’s visual arts program.

MAY 6, 1971 Ground was broken for the Justin E. Diny Science Center.

FEBRUARY 27, 1973 Apollo 17 astronauts visited Archmere with Delaware Senator (later Vice President) Joseph R. Biden III ’61.

NOVEMBER 8, 1959 Bishop Michael Hyle of Wilmington dedicated Saint Norbert Hall.

1960

The 1970s were a decade of transformation and growth, with the ending of the boarding program and the shift to coeducation.

1970 1971 Father Stephen Rossey, O.Praem came to Archmere, tasked with developing a program in art and art history.

1967 Archmere’s Field House was completed.

AUGUST 15, 1967 Cardinal John Krol, Archbishop of Philadelphia, dedicated the Church of the Assumption at Daylesford Abbey.

NOVEMBER 13, 1963 Daylesford Priory was established as an independent Norbertine community; the Norbertines of Daylesford sponsor Archmere Academy.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1975 Archmere welcomed its first 50 female students. Marcella (Marcy) M. Aitken is hired to help guide the transition to co-education.

OCTOBER 28, 1973 Bishop Thomas Mardaga of Wilmington dedicated the Justin E. Diny Science Center.

Archmere Academy Sustains Community, Celebrates Holy Week Virtually Campus Ministry & Administration Leverage New Technologies to Stay Connected THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC IN THE SPRING OF 2020 PRESENTED INCREDIBLE CHALLENGES, BUT

COLLECTIVELY,

COMMUNITY

OF

WE

FAITH,

SUSTAINED ALBEIT

OUR

THROUGH

NEW AND DIFFERENT MEDIUMS. Each morning,

Principal John Jordan ’80 greeted students from his home living room via email with an embedded YouTube video, to lead our learning community in prayer. Following a Gospel reading, Mr. Jordan shared an upbeat and positive message for the day.

Typically displayed on plasma screens around the campus, students still received their daily announcements via email, which celebrate student birthdays and include the daily weather, the word of the day, the saint of the day, and an inspirational quote.

Father Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem continued to send out his regular “Mission & Heritage” email messages to all students, faculty, and staff to situate our present day within the context of both our Catholic Norbertine heritage as well as the overarching history of Catholicism.

Archmere Campus Minister and Theology teacher Mrs. Jillian Tutek created virtual daily Kenosis meditations and reflections for students. Kenosis typically takes place during the school day in the

Immaculate Conception Oratory on campus. Given the current remote format of our daily school community, just like all elements of our academic program as a whole, Kenosis was migrated to a virtual interactive experience and is now experienced in short video format via email. In collaboration with Daylesford Abbey, Mrs. Tutek also planned a Stations of The Cross experience written by Reverend James Garvey, O. Praem, one of the Norbertines at Daylesford, and specifically tailored to the COVID-19 pandemic. A FaceBook Live faith-based question-and-answer session with one of the Norbertine members of Daylesford offered an authentic interactive opportunity for students and staff.

Electronic letters to the community from Dr. Michael Marinelli Ed.D ’76 were circulated to the thousands of members of Archmere’s global community each Tuesday via email, offering an opportunity for alumni around the world to stay connected and know what is happening at Archmere. One of Dr. Marinelli’s letters included a link to a meditation he created in iMovie, featuring a compilation of photographs of Norbertine Abbeys from around the world coupled with meditative chants and choral music. About the video, he said, “One of our five core value words is community, and it is based on the Norbertine tradition of communio. It has as its key components, ‘contemplation on God’s Word made visible in worship and service within the local church,’ as articulated in the mission statement of Daylesford Abbey. It is about being together as a community to worship God and serve one another, which has certainly evolved in both delivery and context in the last few weeks.”

Despite the necessary shift in program delivery and the temporary physical separation of the Archmere’s community, every possible effort was made made to sustain Archmere Academy’s vibrant faith-based community throughout the spring semester and Holy Week.

ONE OF US PODCAST In February, Sofia Alvarez ’20 was interviewed by Alexis Lomax with the Dialog newspaper, and was featured in their One of Us podcast series, published online March 11. One of Us is brief snapshot of people who support the church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware, and regularly features people who may be recognizable within their parish communities.

What is the most important part of your spirituality?

“I would say the most important part is just treating others with kindness and appreciating every day. I have learned that my spirituality has developed more at Archmere and in high school. It is important to be thankful for every single day and to take it one day at a time.” Sofia Alvarez ’20

24

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

Scan this QR code with your phone camera to listen to Sofia’s interview

Contents

Celebrating Our End of Year Mass and Recognizing Departing Faculty & Staff ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, WE CELEBRATED OUR TRADITIONAL END OF SCHOOL YEAR MASS IN THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ORATORY IN SAINT NORBERT HALL. Unlike our typical celebration, due to social

distancing requirements we celebrated Mass with only seven people physically present, and with hundreds more watching the livestream. Father John C. Zagarella delivered a powerful message on the Feast of Pentecost, one that was encouraging and hopeful. After the Mass, we celebrated the careers of Mr. Bob Bussiere, Boy’s Varsity Soccer Coach of 15 years, Dr. Jenna Christy, biology teacher at Archmere for 18 years, Mr. Terry Newitt, art teacher at Archmere for 40 years, and Mr. John Jordan ’80, teacher, admissions director, and principal for 30 years. In addition to these roles, among this dedicated group they have earned the titles of coach, moderator, mentor, and cherished colleague.

The Mass was livestreamed on YouTube for the extended Archmere global community. Later in the afternoon following the Mass, we celebrated our seniors with a Senior Parade and Gift Box Distribution Event (see page 50).

Scan this QR code with your phone camera to watch the End of Year Mass YouTube video.

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

25

Faculty & Staff News Theology teacher Mr. Thomas Mengers ’10 completed his first year in the graduate program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. Mr. Mengers is working towards a masters in Pastoral Theology. Tom also serves as the Treasurer of the Archmere Academy Alumni Council and is on the board of Saint Edmond’s Academy.

World Languages Cultures Department Chair Michelle Midgeley was invited to present at the 2020 Delaware Council on the teaching of Foreign Languages Conference with a session called Cultivating 21st Century Learning via Alternative Assessments.

Theology teacher Dr. Michael J. Burdziak Jr. successfully defended his doctoral dissertation, titled The Spirituality of Catholic Men During Midlife: An Ignatian Perspective on June 29, 2020 and earned his Doctor of Theology degree from the Department of Religion at La Salle University. Dr. Burdziak’s dissertation examined the challenges and blessings Catholic men experience during midlife and provided an overview of the writings of key contributors to the Catholic Men’s Movement.

In utilizing the theories of Carl Jung on archetypes and individuation, it analyzed how the experiences of St. Ignatius of Loyola provided men with a vivid example of possibilities for spiritual transformation during midlife.

26

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

Science teacher Dr. Matthew Wilcox Ph.D. attended the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) Virtual Summer Meeting from July 19-22. He also attended the Physics Education Research Conference from July 22-23. Additionally, a paper Wilcox coauthored titled The Views of GTAs Impacted by Cross-Tiered Professional Development: Messages Intended and Received was recently published in the International Journal of Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education.

Ms. Catherine Souza, Associate Director of College Counseling & Coordinator of Career Programs, has been selected to serve as Co-Chair of the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling’s Professional Development Committee.

This is a three year term that also includes serving on the Executive Committee. As a Co-Chair of the Professional Development Committee, Ms. Souza will help to direct, coordinate, and deliver important professional development opportunities for hundreds of admission counselors and school based counselors. On average, the committee holds 15+ events throughout the year and this is likely to increase given that the virtual environment allows for more ongoing professional development opportunities. A main goal of the committee this year that Ms. Souza will be helping to spearhead is to increase professional development programming within the areas of diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Dr. Wilcox also serves as the faculty leader for the Robotics Club.

On July 24, Math Department Chair Vinita Lobo and Math teacher Carly Pisani attended a virtual one-day seminar titled Distance Learning: Strengthening Your Online Math Instruction and Student Success Using the Best Cutting-Edge Google and Technology Tools presented by the Bureau of Education & Research.

Sharing Strategies for Effective Online Teaching & Learning In March, Fine Art Department Chair Stephanie C. Silverman, NBCT, was invited by the National Art Education Association to serve as the NAEA “Monthly Mentor” for the international organization. Titled Building a Conceptual Framework in Architectural Design: Scaffolding Learning Experiences to Maximize Student Success and Deepen Understanding, the four articles showcased an original Architectural Design curricular unit written by Mrs. Silverman.

On September 28, Mrs. Silverman presented an interactive webinar on effective strategies for sustaining studio culture and best practices for learning in art and design in a virtual environment for the Rhode Island School of Design’s Alumni Association. Silverman was also a featured presenter at the Delaware Art Education Association’s Visual Art Virtual Convergence Conference on Friday, October 9, 2020. Her best practices presentation, titled Optimizing Virtual Learning in Art & Design with Blogger: Leveraging Free MABs for Critique, Connection, and Visual Documentation showcased how Silverman is incorporating multi-author blogs (MAB’s) to foster authentic and meaningful classroom connection, critique, and feedback opportunities in a virtual instructional environment. In July 2020, Mrs. Silverman also completed Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Developing Strategies for Online Teaching and Learning, a cutting-edge research and theory-based course combined with practical strategies. Additionally, Silverman was also awarded a National First Place Award in the Magazine Category for her work as Editor and Creative Director of The Archmerean magazine, presented by the National Federation of Press Women in March.

Preserving Our History.

The Archmerean SPRING 2020 | Volume 91

World Languages & Cultures teacher Colleen Deemer and World Languages Cultures Department Chair Michelle Midgeley will present at the 2021 Modern Language Association International Conference in Toronto, Canada in January 2021. They will present a unit they created for Spanish IV entitled “Ecocriticism and Indigenous Studies Through También la lluvia.”

LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE.

Archmere’s 2020 All-School Summer Read Archmere’s faculty, staff, and students at all grade levels read Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey by Jane Goodall for the 2020-21 school year. Principal Katie Eissler Thiel shares her thoughts on the reading selection: “Despite the fact that Goodall released Reason for Hope approximately twenty years ago, it feels incredibly “of the moment,” especially in the tumultuous and often uncertain times in which we live.

Goodall references Deuteronomy 33:25, a favorite of her grandmother’s, as a sort of refrain that plays in her mind during life’s many challenges: “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” Over the past few months, we have all had to summon strength in new ways. For some of us, myself included, we turned to nature— retreating to the familiar, tech-free spaces we frequented as a child. Goodall’s ability to see God in the natural world is something that deeply resonated with me throughout this book, and something that I have been reminded of again and again in this period of quarantine. Others turned to bettering themselves through the acquisition of knowledge or a new skill. Again, I saw Goodall in these moments, reminding us to be fearless in our pursuit of knowledge, whether in the company of humans in the laboratory, or chimps in the forest at Gombe. Goodall states: “And as I moved through life I would gradually learn how to seek strength from this Power, this source of all energy, to bolster my flagging spirits or my exhausted body in times of need.” This Power lies in religion, in nature, and perhaps most importantly, in ourselves and in our actions. I look forward to discussing our school-wide book as a community, and summoning its many powerful themes as our own personalized call to action.”

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

27

Faculty & Staff News (continued)

Mrs. Carly Pisani completed her Master’s Degree in Applied Technology for Education through Wilmington University.

As a capstone to this program, Mrs. Pisani conducted an action research project on the implementation of a blended learning initiative at Archmere Academy. Mrs. Pisani’s research and implementation strategies have been shared with Archmere’s Technology Coordinators and administrative team to assist with the professional development planning for this 2020-21 school year.

English teacher Mr. Stephen Klinge finished up writing headnotes for an American Literature textbook, and also served as a table leader for online AP test scoring. Mr. Klinge also taught several online APSIs for Literature and AP Language this past summer.

V. Rev. Father John C. Zagarella O.Praem. was appointed by Abbot Domenic Rossi, O.Praem. as Prior of Daylesford Abbey. Father Zagarella will still have a presence at Archmere by teaching the Norbertine Spiritually class each semester and by assisting Father McLaughlin with the chaplaincy responsibilities, including celebrating daily Masses.

In addition, he will serve as the liaison between Norbertine schools and abbeys around the world, working with Mr. Dougherty in developing the Global Studies curriculum, and sustaining the biennial Norbertine Heritage Pilgrimages. In addition, Father Zagarella was recently officially appointed by the Vicar of the English Speaking Norbertines, Abbot Eugene Hayes, O.Praem. of Saint Michael’s Abbey, California to serve as the Editor of The Communicator. Published twice annually, the publication includes articles written by and circulated to members of the Englishspeaking Norbertine Communities, including all four Norbertine Abbeys in the United States, as well as Norbertine Communities in the United Kingdom, India, and Australia.

Director of Admissions and Enrollment Leah Lightcap and her husband Dave welcomed their son Nicolás Julio Lightcap into the world on July 31.

28

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

Ms. Janna Scheflen (WLC: Spanish) participated in virtual workshops organized by the American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages in July and August. The program, High-Leverage Teaching Practices for World Languages, focused on strategies for using target language, moving from input to processing to output, and teaching grammar in context and as concept. The courses were facilitated by national experts in the field of language acquisition, and break-out group sessions focused on high-leverage teaching practices with specific classroom examples for face-to-face, blended, and virtual learning environments.

This summer, History teacher Ms. Tara Rodack partnered with the Delaware Historical Society to create a virtual field trip centered around World War II and the historical society’s Minker Collection.

The Minker collection is a series of 650 letters that detail the experience of B-17 pilot Ralph L. Minker Jr. and his Wilmington based family as they cope with the stresses of World War II. Tara worked with the historical society’s Director of Education and Archmere alumna, Rebecca Lisansky Fay ’90, to create a lesson around the theme of sacrifice as evidenced through the primary source letters. From rationing and air raids to the pain and anxiety due to their son’s and brother’s deployment, the sacrifices of this Delaware family especially resonate with students who experienced their own sacrifices this year with the onset of a worldwide pandemic. The virtual field trip is now available to all private and public schools in Delaware.

Academy leadership

2020: RUBY JUBILEE OF ARCHMERE’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES

| Board of Trustees

2020-21 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

On June 16, 1980 Archmere’s Board of Trustees met for the first time. Abbot John Neitzel, O.Praem. was the Chair of the Board from 1980 to 1989. The first Board had fifteen members: five Norbertines, a nun, and nine Archmere parents.The 15 included the Headmaster and the Legal Counsel. Archmere’s current Board of Trustees numbers 18, plus the Headmaster and the Legal Counsel.

Among the 21 are two Norbertines, educators, alumni/ae, and past/current parents. In 1980 Abbot Neitzel said of the new Board: “Archmere’s potential as a first-rate Catholic prep school can best be realized through this sharing of responsibility and the skill that such a Board can provide by its talent, experience, and interest.” On this Ruby Jubilee of Archmere’s Board of Trustees, we are grateful for Archmere’s Board of Trustees – “prepared for every good work.”

Kristy Ambrogi Andrew D. Ciferni, O.Praem., B.A., S.T.L., Ph.D. Joseph P. Clark ’77 Rev. Francis B. Danielski, O.Praem E. Andrew DiSabatino, Jr. B. Christopher Dougherty, Ph.D. ’85, Chair William J. Doyle, Ed. D. Bernadette Gilmore David Hogan ’87 William “Bill” Larson, Esq. ’04 James Maddox ’87

Kathryn McCord, Vice Chair Dr. Pamela Moore Salameda James “Jim” Prendergast ’77 Marc A. Ross ’91 Dr. Eric G. Ruoss Ravi Subbaraya Neilli Mullen Walsh, Esq. EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Michael Marinelli Ed.D ‘76, Headmaster LEGAL COUNSEL

Anthony G. Flynn, Esq. ‘69, PP ‘03 ‘04

Archmere Welcomes New Board Members Kristy Ambrogi PP ’04, ’11, ’11

James “Jim” Prendergast ’77 PP ’19, CP ’21

William “Bill” Larson, Esq. ’04

Kristy grew up in North Jersey and attended the University of Delaware where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She then attended the Institute for Paralegal Training in Philadelphia and graduated with a degree in Corporate Finance and Business Law. Mrs. Ambrogi worked for the Institute in their Placement Department, and served as a Human Resources Generalist for Chase Manhattan Bank in Wilmington.

Jim is a native of Wilmington and a 1977 alumnus of Archmere. Jim began his career working for the DuPont Company in South Carolina in 1981, and recently retired after a thirty-nine year career. While in South Carolina, Jim worked on technology development for fuels used to power nuclear submarines and nuclear waste immobilization. After moving back to the Wilmington area, Jim worked in a variety of roles related to commercial use of titanium compounds.

Bill is an attorney with Manning Gross + Massenburg LLP and a former Senior Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Wilmington. His practice focuses on civil litigation, and he continues to serve as Ethics Counsel for the City of Wilmington. He is a past Executive Officer of the Diocese of Wilmington’s Pastoral Council and past Chair of a partnership between the City of Wilmington, University of Delaware, and Delaware State University. Bill is also the Vice-Chair of the United States Tennis Association for the Delaware District. He obtained his B.A. and J.D. from Washington and Lee University, where he was Vice President of the Student Body. He was also a recipient of the Calhoun-Bond award for service to the University. A long- time Archmere volunteer, he has served on the Archmere Golf Outing Committee and as a Class Representative for many years.

At Archmere, he captained the mock trial and tennis teams. In 2002, he won the team and an individual high school tennis state championship. Bill lives with his wife and daughter in Wilmington, where they attend St. Ann’s Parish.

While raising her three children, Jessica ’04, Michael ’11, and Christopher ’11 with her husband, the late John (Jerry) Ambrogi ’76, she was an active member of the Junior League of Wilmington, The Saint Mary Magdalen Home and School Association, The Archmere Academy Mother’s Guild, and the Reading Assist Institute in Wilmington, Delaware.

When her husband, John (Jerry) Ambrogi ’76 passed away, Kristy became the Owner and President of J. Ambrogi Foods and Kristy’s Kuts, Inc., both located in Thorofare, New Jersey. Her son Michael ’11 works closely with Kristy as the Ambrogi family continues to maintain the business that Jerry built.

Jim has served as a past Fathers Club president at Archmere. He has a broad interest in all sciences and is specifically interested in advocating for continued STEM programming development at Archmere. Jim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Delaware. Jim lives in North Wilmington with his wife, Eleanor Wu and their two children. Daughter Julia ’19 is currently studying engineering at the University of Illinois and Norah ’21 is a current senior at Archmere.

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

29

Recent Appointments |

welcome 2020-21

Archmere Welcomes New Alumni Administrators…

Ainsley Hertrich Palladino ’05

Danyele Pannell Dove ’93 MSW, CPRW, CEIP

Elaine Fry Reilly ’83 PP ’13, ’17, ’20

ANNUAL GIVING & ALUMNI RELATIONS MANAGER

DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE, DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

Former Alumni Relations & Events Coordinator Ainsley Palladino ’05 has been appointed Annual Giving & Alumni Relations Manager. Over the past six years, Ainsley has coordinated closely with the Facilities Team to manage and direct major signature institutional events at Archmere, including Homecoming, Alumni Reunions, Founder Society Dinners, and weddings at the Patio.

She also has served as the primary liaison for Archmere’s Alumni Council and has expanded alumni relations, events, and engagement opportunities. In her newly expanded role, Ainsley will manage Archmere’s annual giving program. Ainsley will continue working closely with volunteers from the Alumni Council, Mothers’ Guild, and Fathers’ Club to support each group’s annual fundraising programs and initiatives while focusing on developing increased philanthropic support for Archmere’s mission.

30

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

Archmere alumna Danyele Dove ’93 has been appointed Archmere Academy’s Director of Guidance, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. She has over 20 years of experience as a counselor in academic, residential and community based settings.

Danyele earned her MSW from University of Maryland School of Social Work and holds certification in two career-focused areas, professional resume writing and employment interviews. Prior to joining Archmere, Danyele directed a Career Center at Harcum College.

She is committed to empowering people to develop a life plan that will lead to self-discovery and a fulfilling future personally and professionally. Danyele’s background in serving in a variety of school settings and populations enables her to be an effective counselor who is comfortable working with diverse groups of people. In this new role, Danyele will foster inclusive conversations surrounding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives within the Archmere community. Danyele’s work as Director of Guidance/DEI will be guided by Archmere’s mission, as we strive to cultivate empathetic leadership, cultural competency, and respect for all.

Elaine joins the Office of Institutional Advancement after a 30-year career as a corporate lawyer and compliance officer, most recently Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of the Chemours Company in Wilmington, Delaware. Elaine previously served two terms as a member of the Archmere Board of Trustees, (2012-2018), chaired the Governance Committee of the Board, and co-chaired the Comprehensive Capital Campaign for Archmere that supported the renovation of Saint Norbert Hall and the growth of the scholarship and financial assistance endowment funds. She holds a BA from the College of William and Mary and a JD from Harvard Law School.

Elaine was honored with a Norbert Award in 2019, which is Archmere Academy’s Alumnus/a of the year Award, given to an outstanding alumnus or alumna who best embodies the Archmere Academy Mission and has demonstrated exemplary achievements through professional distinction, service to others, or service to the Archmere community. Elaine is the proud mother of three Archmere graduates – Patrick ’13, Keelin ’17 and Melina ’20.

…and New Faculty & Staff

Robert Janoski

Therese Horning

HISTORY, ENGLISH

WORLD LANGUAGES & CULTURES

Robert Janoski grew up in Pottstown, PA and attended Villanova University, where he majored in English. He received his Master’s in Secondary Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and then taught in Philadelphia for a number of years.

He was attracted to Archmere by many of the same reasons which students are: rigorous academics, a motivated student body, a wide range of extracurriculars, and a supportive and brilliant faculty. This year he will be teaching sections of American Literature and World History.

Therese Horning joins Archmere from the Brandywine School District, where she taught various levels of Secondary French and International Baccalaureate French courses. A lifelong Delawarean, Therese graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Saint Mark’s High School, and the University of Delaware. At UD, Therese majored in French Studies as an undergraduate and then earned an MA in French Language and Literature. Therese studied abroad in both Paris and Normandy, France. The highlight of her graduate school experience was the year Therese lived in Caen, France where she taught English at the Université de Caen. Therese looks forward to sharing her love for French and language learning with students.

Gina Dzielak MARKETING MANAGER Gina Dzielak, a graduate of DeSales University, has had a long career in the fields of marketing and communications with a focus in digital marketing. She joins Archmere Academy from Girl Scouts of the USA, where she worked as the Community Manager on the social media team, focusing primarily on the organization’s social media platforms with over 1.7M followers. Previously, Gina served as Marketing and Communications Manager for the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay in Newark, DE. She began her career with Delmarva Broadcasting Company, creating advertising for local businesses and nonprofits for 93.7 WSTW and 1150AM WDEL.

Leah Davidson-Wolf SCIENCE Leah graduated from Goucher College in Baltimore, MD with a BA in Biology and initially pursued a career in marine biology as an animal trainer. However, she soon found a love of teaching and returned to school to earn her MAT from University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). After graduating, she taught at a small private school in Maryland for two years before moving north. She is teaching freshman biology.

“ Archmere students and families experience the continued dedication and effort of a talented faculty and staff. Each day on campus, the energy and drive among students and faculty to create measurable accomplishments are palpable. Sharing innovative thoughts and creative ideas, we are a learning community that recognizes the rapid changes in the world – a community that needs to prepare students for life by constantly assessing, evaluating, and modifying what we do to maximize the positive impact for our students, while conserving resources and maintaining our core values rooted in Catholic Christianity, shaped by the charism of the Norbertine Fathers.”

MICHAEL A. MARINELLI, Ed.D. ‘76, HEADMASTER

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

31

Faculty Spotlight

Q&A With World Languages Chair Michelle Midgley

By Stephanie Silverman, Editor

I had the opportunity to attend one of your Spanish student presentations last spring, in a collaborative lesson you presented with colleague Colleen Deemer. Can you share a bit of contextual background about this interdisciplinary lesson in particular, and how the learning experience was designed to optimize student creativity and apply classroom learning to a project-based context?

Before beginning this project, students learn about the environment and the current problems facing it in both the US and Spanish-speaking countries. They studied the effects that colonization has had on the environment and society as a whole through a film entitled También la lluvia. World Language teacher Colleen Deemer ’07 and I will be presenting this pre-project unit at the Modern Language Association International Conference in Toronto, Canada in 2021 in a session entitled, “Ecocriticism and Indigenous Studies Through También la lluvia.”

After learning about current environmental challenges, students are charged with identifying a problem and then creating an invention that will solve their problem. Students collaborated in teams of two to design and sketch their invention, as well as its cost and function. Working in teams, students write a product pitch in Spanish to present to a group of student “investors.” The “investors” are other students in the Spanish IV classes and they select the inventions worthy of their faith and capital. This project provides students with an opportunity to choose a topic that interests them; showcase their creativity, practice their Spanish grammar and writing skills, and refine their speaking skills as they aspire to solicit a business opportunity from potential investors. By using a project-based model such as this one, we are able to assess many different skills at the same time, while pushing students to challenge themselves at the highest level. Each year we are astounded by the results of this project and students repeatedly tell us that it is their favorite assignment of the course. It is without a doubt one of the major highlights of the Archmere Spanish IV experience.

When people think of assessment in education, they often believe there is one “right” answer, and tests comes to mind as the one way to measure learning. Can you tell us a bit about what is meant by “alternative assessment,” one of your signature practices?

An “alternative assessment” is any non-traditional type of assessment. Examples of alternative assessments are projects, labs, written pieces, debates, oral exams, escape rooms, just to name a few.

These creative and challenging assessments can be utilized in any subject matter, on any level, from elementary education to the collegiate level. Years of educational research have taught us that there is more than one way to demonstrate knowledge and skills learned in the classroom, and I am a passionate proponent of alternative assessment because it better connects students to the material, it allows for student choice, and it provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. My alternative assessments come in many forms, but they are undoubtedly present in every unit of every course that I teach. In language learning, students must have opportunities to showcase their skills in ways other than on a paper test in order to gain true proficiency, so it is vital to prioritize alternative assessments.

In October, you presented at the Delaware Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages conference and discussed the use of authentic resources in the classroom and specific strategies for implementing them. Can you share some of these resources and strategies with us?

Michelle Midgley’s Spanish IV students present and pitch their original design concepts.

32

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

Authentic resources are any print, video, or audio material created for native speakers, by native speakers. These vital sources bridge the gap between the classroom and the outside world. In addition, these resources teach rich cultural knowledge and

Left: In the spring of 2020, Michelle creatively engaged her Spanish IV students online, through a hands-on food unit.

dialects that students otherwise would not have been exposed to. Authentic resources provide great examples of “comprehensible input” that students need in order to achieve proficiency of a new language.

One of the cornerstones of my educational philosophy is that students need to feel a connection to the language in order to be motivated to learn it. Authentic resources facilitate this connection by capturing students’ attention with topics that interest them in relevant formats that intrigue them, such as Instagram, YouTubers, infographics, Netflix shows, twitter, and blogs.

Do you have a favorite project-based learning experience or a successful/ fun activity you designed to make virtual learning engaging this spring?

Yes, Escape Room: This was born out of two desires: the desire to constantly challenge myself to achieve cutting-edge lessons in the classroom and the desire to build a FUN, interactive, informative, and community-based lesson for the last day of school. Janna Schefflen and I worked together to create a thematic lesson in which students had to solve puzzles to learn about the Spanish Royal Family as well as Spain’s rich royal past.

Students worked together in teams of three or four to solve the mystery of “Who Stole The Crown and Scepter from the Throne Room?” In order to achieve this, students explored articles and photos of castles, famous artwork of the Prado Museum, and authentic videos of the Royal family. As my Spanish 1 students will tell you, this was very challenging! But it was a blast, and a great way to learn cultural knowledge that we otherwise would not have had time to do during final exam review.

In planning the final unit of the Spanish IV course, I wanted to achieve a few things: an opportunity for rich cultural knowledge; a hands-on experience; and a unit that would create a sense of community and togetherness, despite the virtual format. The last goal was, to me, the most important one. I recognized the need to create engaging virtual instruction for my students, and I knew that I needed to step up to create something that would bring us all together and lift our spirits. I designed a Food Unit, which allowed students to explore authentic such as Netflix food documentaries, restaurant menus, vloggers, bloggers, and news articles to dive deep into Mexican, Caribbean, and Spanish food culture. Once they gained a strong understanding of the components of each type and the differences between them, students chose their own authentic recipe (in Spanish!) to create at home. Students prepared the food with their family members or by themselves, and then brought the dish to our class “party” on the final day of class. We described our dishes and reacted to them in Spanish, and learned about the complexities of flavors that each type of food brought to the plate. The sense of communio was alive and well, and the act of sharing a meal together brought such a sense of fun, togetherness, and normalcy.

This was one of the absolute favorite units I have ever created, and it will now be a staple in my Spanish IV course.

About Michelle Midgley Michelle Midgley has a B.A., Spanish Language & Literature from the University of Delaware.

She holds an M.S., International Relations & Conflict Resolution from the American Public University.

Along with World Languages teacher and colleague Denise Pérez, Michelle oversaw the Archmere Spanish Exchange Program from 2016-2020. Michelle regularly presents on a variety of topics nationally and abroad, including the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese Annual Conference, DECTFL’s annual conference. In 2021, Michelle Midgley and Colleen Deemer ’07 present at the Modern Language Association Conference in Toronto, Canada.

Additionally, Michelle was appointed to the Board for the Delaware Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

Michelle speaks Spanish fluently, and is conversational in French, having studied abroad in Madrid and Paris. Passionate about German language and culture, she is currently teaching herself German and is an active member of the Delaware Saengerbund & Library Association, a group of 1,000 members dedicated to the teaching of German language and culture.

A dedicated runner, Michelle has run many half marathons, including the 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon and most recently the 2019 Rehoboth Beach Marathon to raise money for her nephew’s charity, Mason’s Mobility Mission.

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

33

Around Campus |

academic achievements and recognitions

DelTech Science Fair Awards

ACS US National Chemistry Olympiad Nicholas Zhu ’22 and Alex Lu ’21 represented Archmere in the Delaware State Competition of the ACS US National Chemistry Olympiad.

Because of the pandemic crisis, this year was an online competition without a lab component.

Nicholas Zhu scored high enough to place first in the state of Delaware. The U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad is a multitiered competition designed to stimulate and promote achievement in high school chemistry. It is sponsored by the American Chemical Society.

34

THE ARCHMEREAN

Archmere TEAMS Awarded in Delaware State Competition Archmere TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science) teams placed First, Second and Third in both the 9/10 grade level and the 11/12 level in the 2020 Division 2 Delaware State Competition. The goal of TEAMS is to have students work collaboratively to develop practical and creative solutions to real world engineering problems. High school teams that rank 1st, 2nd or 3rd in the Best in State rankings or that achieve a minimum combined score are eligible to compete in the national TEAMS competitions.

The DelTech science fair occurred in early March, 2020. Five juniors earned awards at the Science Fair. These five students are invited to participate in the regional science fair. Simi Edeki earned first place in Behavioral Science, Kaitlyn Kaulback earned third place in Behavioral Science. Olivia MacMillan, Colleen McCann, and Lukey Kryka earned third place in the Group category.

9/10 GRADE LEVEL:

Congratulations to the 9/10 Team B for capturing first place, Team A for second place, and Team C for third place.

1st Place, Team B: Leo Chang, Alex Chen, Austin Curtis, Jessica Grier, Clare O’Dwyer, Helen Qi, and Sydney Vakili 2nd Place, Team A: Simi Edeki, Ryan Hsieh, Carter Kowalski, Mandy Jiang, Ryana Rajesh, Ben Wei, and Joe Caruso 3rd Place, Team C: Alexandra Harrington, Peyton Kennedy, Olivia MacMillan, and Colleen McCann 11/12 GRADE LEVEL:

Congratulations to the 11/12 Team C for capturing first place, Team D for second place, and Team B for third place.

1st Place, Team C: Margaret Atkins, Maggie Dempsey, Caroline Ho, Amelia Klinger, Norah Prendergast, Aislinn Smeader, Katie Walsh, and Ben Zondlo 2nd Place, Team D: James D’Elia, Isabella Ganfield, Antoinette Guariano, Kelly Hodlofski, Camron Kaiser, Alyssa Mirenda, Alyssa Noval, and Lily Sabine 3rd Place, Team B: Alex Lu, Nolan Fogarty, Sean Vanson, Christian Miller, Rohit Mathur, Sanjay Long, Phil Kawalec, and Brian Carbajal

FALL 2020

Gabriella Gildea ’21 Receives Carson Scholarship The Carson Scholars Fund awards $1,000 college scholarships to students in grades 4-11 who excel academically and are dedicated to serving their communities. Scholarship winners receive the honor of being named “Carson Scholars” and are awarded an Olympic-sized medal and a trophy for their school to celebrate their accomplishments.

This year’s recipient for Archmere is junior Gabriella Gildea. This year, the committee held a virtual banquet to honor its scholars. Carson Scholars must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and display humanitarian qualities through community service. Scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of academic achievement and humanitarian qualities, without regard to financial need, ethnicity, creed or religion.

Alex Lu ’21 Selected for Pennsylvania Governor’s School Alex Lu has been selected to participate in the 2020 Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (PGSS). Alex is one of 64 students selected for this program from an exceptional applicant pool of 353 students from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This distinct honor is awarded to academically talented high school students who are residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and are current juniors at the time of the application deadline. Alex demonstrated academic achievement, interest in the sciences and mathematics, and a record of pursuing his interest in activities beyond the Archmere classroom. His award to attend the PGSS is a full scholarship which includes all expenses directly related to the program.

The Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (PGSS) was established in order to provide a summer enrichment experience in the sciences and mathematics for talented Pennsylvania high school students and to encourage them to pursue careers

in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The program provides instruction in biological sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science, with emphasis on collaborative learning and team research.

PGSS offers talented students the opportunity to participate in true scientific research and specialized scientific study.

The program also seeks to maintain a pipeline of modern technological talent throughout the state of Pennsylvania, where cities such as Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and State College are quickly becoming medical, technological, and entrepreneurial hubs.

Archmere Names Spring 2020 National Honor Society Members The National Honor Society recognizes students who have excelled in four areas: Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character. The Archmere chapter requires juniors and seniors to have a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.70 or higher to qualify for membership. Members are expected to serve as peer tutors, mini-roster night guides, and participate in NHS sponsored charity programs.

Typically, NHS Inductees are honored on campus at a special ceremony; this year pins and certificates were mailed home to students. We celebrated their accomplishments on social media and online.

SENIORS Jill Farrell Julia Kochie Henry Li William Van Belle JUNIORS Gianna Abbrescia Tyler Allison Ryan Antunes Margaret Atkins Matthew Benson Madelyn Boyer Brian Carbajal

Sophia Castro Sophia Cicone Kiara Cornell James D’Elia Andrew Demnicki Margaret Dempsey Shawn Enverso Nolan Fogarty Isabella Ganfield Anna Garcia Samuel Gattuso Gabriella Gildea Bogonko Gisiora Antoinette Guariano

Isabelle Hanlon Jake Hernick Caroline Ho Kelly Hodlofski Maximus Iacono Alex Jacobs Camron Kaiser Amelia Klinger Sanjay Long Alex Lu Andrew MacWilliams Michael Mallamaci Anthony Mariano Rohit Mathur

Maria Medori Zoe Menezes Bridget McGonigle Christian Miller Elle Nash Alyssa Noval Abigail Oberembt Carlos Rodriguez Olmedo Owen Phillips Alyssa Pierangeli Paul Pomeroy Norah Prendergast Joseph Raziano

FALL 2020

Alexis Rendel Erik Risnychok Ava Scarpaci Elizabeth Sills Rachel Sisson Aislinn Smeader Maura Smeader Brendan Sullivan Sean Vanson Katie Walsh Gabrielle Witherell Katie Yakovenko Elaine Zahnow Dylan Zallie

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

35

Around Campus |

academic achievements and recognitions

(continued)

Sofia Alvarez ’20 and Rebekkah Kehoe ’20 Awarded Scholarships Archmere graduates Sofia Alvarez and Rebekkah Kehoe have both been awarded scholarships from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Wilmington Branch. The funds will go toward Sofia’s tuition at the University of Delaware where she will study International Relations and Rebekkah’s tuition at Moravian College where she will study Elementary Education and Psychology. Both applicants displayed excellence in their academics, extracurricular activities and communication skills.

Sofia is also a recipient of the annual Beau Biden Memorial Scholarship. Named in honor of former Delaware Attorney General Joseph Robinette “Beau” Biden III ’87, who passed away in 2015 at age 46, the scholarship was established by the I Could Do Great Things Foundation, an independent Delaware-based philanthropy. The scholarship honors college-bound high school seniors from Delaware “who embody the virtues of Beau Biden, who exhibit qualities of leadership, community, civility, respect, and a strong moral compass.”

Sofia was also awarded the Jewish Fund for the Future’s 2020 Theodore H. Ashford Award for Leadership in Community Service. The scholarship award is designated to a high school student in Delaware who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to community service.

Archmere Students Named Finalists in National History Day Competition Congratulations to the following students for being considered finalists in the Delaware competition of National History Day: Jessica Grier ’23, Helen Qi ’23, and Sydney Vakili ’23. National History Day is a yearlong academic program focused on historical research, interpretation and creative expression for 6th to 12th grade students. This year’s theme was “breaking barriers.” Alexander Chen ’23 earned second place for a paper about the Fall of Constantinople and will be headed to the national competition this year. By participating in NHD, students become writers, filmmakers, web designers, playwrights and artists as they create unique contemporary expressions of history. The experience culminates in a series of contests at the local and affiliate levels and an annual national competition in the nation’s capital.

Luke Fracek ’20 Chosen for National Youth Science Foundation Archmere graduate Luke Fracek was chosen as one of two Delaware delegates for the National Youth Science Foundation’s Science Camp. The National Youth Science Camp is a residential science education program for young scientists the summer after they graduate from high school. Students from around the country are challenged academically in exciting lectures and hands-on studies presented by scientists from across the nation. Luke was selected based on demonstrated academic achievement in science and his potential for thoughtful scientific leadership.

36

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

Seniors Earn Fourteenth in the Nation at WordWright Challenge In this year’s third meet of the WordWright Challenge, Archmere students won high honors.

Held in February, the Challenge, a national competition for high school students requiring close reading and analysis of prose and poetry, included 686 school teams from across the country.

Archmere’s 12th graders tied for fourteenth place in the nation.

Students at the school who achieved outstanding individual results in the meet included juniors Alex Lu and Aislin Smeader and seniors Bailey Larmore, Gabrielle Hogan, Lauren Simpson, and Lauren Wilson. Archmere English Teacher Stephen Klinge supervised the students.

More than 64,000 students from 48 states across the country participated in the meet. The texts for the third WordWright meet this year were a short story by Colum McCann for 9th and 10th graders and a pair of poems by Wallace Stevens and Richard Wilbur for 11th and 12th graders.

Welcome, Class of 2024!

37% Legacy Families

45

Middle School “Feeder Schools”

38

Zip Codes Represented

Admissions Department The Archmere Academy Admissions Office moved seamlessly to a virtual process. Most of January and February were spent interviewing candidates for the Class of 2024.

Our 7th Grade Open House was held on April 29 as a Webinar. During this event, prospective 7th grade families were able to get a glimpse into the Archmere experience as they listened to current students and parents, asked questions about the process for next year, and learned about the Archmere community. We also worked with schools who wanted a private “Questions and Answers” session with Admissions via Zoom. Most of our Admissions process had been streamlined online prior to the pandemic, so moving to a virtual process was effortless.

7th Grade Virtual Open House

Admission On-Campus Experience Options!

This year we will offer a variety of options for shadow visits, Open Houses, private tours, and admission interviews. Students and families will have the choice to select an option that makes them most comfortable. These will include: • Video-remote options for shadow visits and tours • Weekend visit appointments

Were you one of the 120 families that attended our Virtual Open House?

If you missed it, visit Archmere’s YouTube channel for a recording of this event.

Our Auks proved the pandemic was not going to keep them from showcasing the school they love and call home, even when remotely learning! Our Admissions Team, Headmaster, Principal, current parents and students from each grade joined in a virtual experience for our viewers, fielding live questions, and sharing from the heart why they are so passionate about their Archmere experience!

(Left to Right): Denise Starnes ’93, Admissions & Marketing Coordinator, Pat Tolvaisa, Admissions Assistant, Leah Lightcap, Director of Admissions, and Logan Duffie, Associate Director of Admissions

The Archmere Admissions Team would love to hear from you! If you have a student in 8th grade and have not been to campus for a tour or visit, please reach out to schedule one! 302.798.6632 ext. 706 or email: admissions@archmereacademy.com

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

37

“ Archmere provided me with the real world communication, critical thinking, and adaptability skills that will undoubtedly help me succeed in college and beyond. But perhaps more importantly, Archmere taught me the fundamentals of being a good person. Getting the opportunity to expand my leadership abilities and become truly involved in the community gave me the confidence to believe that I could make an impact on something bigger than myself.

Through Archmere’s values and the Archmere community leaders who uphold them, I learned how to serve with humility and use my education to effect real change in our communities.” JESSICA PEI

Jessica Pei Selected a 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholar THE U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION BETSY DEVOS ANNOUNCED THE SELECTION OF JESSICA PEI, GRADUATE OF ARCHMERE ACADEMY, AS A 2020 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR. Jessica is one of 161 outstanding American high

school seniors who have demonstrated unprecedented academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to her school and community. Jessica is one of two students in the entire state of Delaware named a U.S. Presidential Scholar.

Of the 3.6 million students that graduated from high school in 2020, over 5,300 candidates qualified for the 2020 awards determined by excellent performance on the SAT and ACT Board of Colleges examinations or through nominations made by State Chief Officers, other partner recognition organizations and the National Youth Foundation’s YoungArts competition.

“It is my privilege to congratulate the Presidential Scholars Class of 2020 on their outstanding academic achievement, community service, and leadership,” said Secretary DeVos. “These exemplary young people have excelled inside the classroom and out. And, while they are facing unprecedented challenges as they graduate from high school into a world that looks much different than it did just a few months ago, their determination, resilience, and commitment 38

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

to excellence will serve them well as they pursue their next steps.”

As directed by executive order of the President, the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts and 20 scholars in career and technical education.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 7,600 of the nation’s topperforming students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. The Presidential Scholars Class of 2020 was recognized for their outstanding achievement during the summer.

Jessica Pei ’20 Recipient of National Honor Society Scholarship Each year the National Honor Society sponsors a scholarship competition for NHS members who have excelled in their schools. Jessica Pei ’20 was named a NHS Scholarship recipient for the 2019-2020 school year, selected from 7,000 applicants. Jessica received a $5,625 scholarship toward college.

NHS scholarship recipients such as Jessica have been making a difference in their schools and communities through their service, leadership, and character. Since 1946, more than $17 million in scholarships has been awarded to outstanding NHS senior members to support college access and student success. The scholarship program is supported by the parent organization of NHS, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

SINCE 2003, ARCHMERE ACADEMY HAS PROUDLY BEEN RECOGNIZED WITH SEVEN UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS: Left: Jessica Pei’s Official Slide from US Department of Education featured during the Presidential Scholars Program Recognition Ceremony,

2003 Brigitte L. Eichner 2004 Catherine E. Homsey 2008 Dennis F. Meng 2016 Rahul S. Subbaraya 2017 Olivia R. O’Dwyer 2019 Tullis Tien-Tze Liu 2020 Jessica Pei

“ Mrs. Lightcap, the Director of Admissions at my high school, has influenced me the most significantly during these past four years. While an administrator may seem like an odd choice, I can think of no better person or role model to honor. When I first visited Archmere as an eager, but nervous, eighth grader, Mrs. Lightcap greeted me with a huge, beaming smile as soon as I stepped onto campus. Her welcoming attitude and kindness perfectly conveyed the community that I wanted to be a part of. After joining the community, Mrs. Lightcap’s graciousness never diminished. By encouraging me to help out with open houses and lead tours, I not only gained self-confidence but also learned how to help build confidence in others. Mrs. Lightcap is an inspiration. She believed in me from the very beginning, when I lacked the confidence to believe that I could make a true impact on my community and those around me. She also taught me the importance of connecting with others and always showing kindness to everyone around you.” Jessica Pei

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

39

Around Campus |

visual art, performing arts, media & music

visual art Spring Virtual Fine Art & Design Student Exhibition

Stephen D’Antonio ’20 Sophie Moosberg ’20 Lauren Wilson ’20

Stephen D’Antonio, Sophie Moosberg, and Lauren Wilson Recognized with National Medals in the 2020 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Program The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have recognized the vision, ingenuity, and talent of our nation’s youth since 1923. In 2019, students across America submitted nearly 340,000 original works that were blindly judged by leaders in the visual and literary arts. In January, Archmere students Stephen D’Antonio ’20, Sophie Moosberg ’20, and Lauren Wilson ’20 were recognized with Gold Key awards at the regional level of the 2020 Delaware Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Gold Key awards advance to the national level of the competition, where they compete with all Gold Keys in the nation for a National Medal. Stephen, Sophie and Lauren all received Silver Medals at the national level of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition. Students winning National Medals are eligible for additional publication, exhibition and scholarship opportunities. National recognition is highly significant, with only approximately 5 percent of regional Gold Keys recognized with National Medals nationwide.

“ Art classes at Archmere have taught me to test my limits and grow in perspective. I have learned how to express myself through art and in other ways, and I am so grateful for the teachers that taught me how to do so.”

ALEXANDRA WILLIAMSON ’20

40

THE ARCHMEREAN

Katie Yakovenko ’21 Receives the Michael Curcio ’06 Emerging Artist Scholarship Award Archmere art student Katie Yakovenko ’21 has been named the recipient of the annual Michael Curcio ’06 Emerging Artist Scholarship Award for her commitment to the study of art, outstanding portfolio, and originally conceived sketchbook.

This award, funded in memory of Michael P. Curcio ’06, is awarded annually to a deserving junior in recognition of excellence in the visual arts. The Emerging Artist scholarship award involves a $1,500 scholarship endowed graciously by the Curcio family and friends in memory of Michael Curcio, class of 2006.

FALL 2020

Determined to showcase the creative accomplishments of our visual arts students, typically showcased at the annual Fine Art Festival in March, the Archmere Art Department assembled an end-of-year Virtual Art Exhibition, featuring the artistic accomplishments of art and design students created over the course of the year. Featuring artwork from all 17 Introductory and Advanced Fine Art and Design studio courses offered at Archmere, the student work on display demonstrated technical skills in a range of media and materials, and an impressive scope of varied conceptual approaches.

Scan this QR code with your phone camera to view the Virtual Art Exhibition

Responding to the Pandemic Through Visual Art & Design Margaret Atkins ’21 created the watercolor shown above, Dreaming in Isolation, 24” x 36”, during spring 2020 at home, during the distance learning portion of the semester under the guidance and instruction of Terry Newitt.

“Mr. Newitt originally tasked the students in the class to do a portrait-style watercolor based on a prompt of wanting to capture how we dream,” shared Margaret.

“I was looking for inspiration, so during the pandemic lockdown, I had my 15-year-old brother pose in front of a window to represent every individual’s thought process during the lockdown, such as thoughts about our isolation, our friends, and dreams of what the future held. The contrast between my brother’s face in the dark interior against the bright sunshine, just out of reach on the other side of the pane, really struck me.

It represents what all of us were facing at the time as shut-ins, but at the same time, it is hopeful and shows there was a chance to someday get past the short term challenges in our senior year at Archmere, and get out to the other side of the window, beyond graduation and on to a brighter future. My intentions as an artist are to visually represent a message, and the main message of the piece

is to capture the feelings of the COVID-19 lockdown, but also to deliver a feeling of hope and encouragement.”

Margaret Atkins ’21 also made it her mission to protect those helping people with COVID-19 by printing away the shortage of equipment.

Margaret worked with a student from Strath Haven High School to help arm health workers in their fight against the virus. She spent her time over Easter break assembling and programming a 3D printer to print Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) components for face shields for health care workers in New York City.

The 3D printing process generates complex threedimensional objects from computer-aided designs.

Margaret was interviewed by the Dialog newspaper on May 1, 2020.

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

41

Around Campus |

visual art, performing arts, media & music

(continued)

performing arts

Archmere Academy Recognized with Cappies Award for Second Consecutive Year In February 2020, Archmere Academy Dramatics proudly presented the hit musical Chicago: High School (adapted for the high school stage). The production maintained all the razzle and dazzle that made the musical one of the longest running shows in Broadway history. Forty-five Archmere students collaborated both on and behind stage for this extravagant production.

The show was choreographed by student Alexis Rendel ’21 and Theology teacher Mrs. Meaghan Thomas, who beautifully captured the Fosse-style dance genre. The show was directed by English teacher Mr. Brian Manelski. Music Direction was provided by Archmere alumnus Patrick D’Amato ’09. The show ran for two weekends, Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22, and Friday, February 28 and Saturday, February 29.

Earlier this spring, Archmere’s Winter Musical, Chicago High School Edition, was nominated for six Cappies Awards. On Sunday, June 7, the cast and crew attended the 15th Annual Greater Philadelphia Cappies Virtual Gala, an end-ofseason celebration that highlights all nominated high school shows, and presents the final Cappies Awards. Awards are given for performance, non-performance, and best critics. Alexis Rendel ’21, was the recipient of the Cappies Award for Choreography. Director Mr. Brian Manelski shared, “I am so proud of Alexis and all of the hard work that she put into the show! Our six nominations are an honor in themselves, and I am proud of the recognition, especially for Alexis.”

The Cappies (Critics and Awards Program), is a program through which high school theater and journalism students are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, write reviews, and publish those reviews. The Cappies is an international program for recognizing, celebrating, and providing learning experiences for high school theater and journalism students and teenage playwrights. Getting published earns a critic points towards that critic award. Archmere’s winter musical, Chicago High School Edition, was a Cappies show this year, and hosted over forty critics from all over the Philly area.

42

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

media

AUKS on Air Podcast Launched Archmere’s Podcast Club was just gaining traction Scan this QR code when Archmere transitioned with your phone to a virtual learning model camera to listen last spring. This episode is to the podcast a retrospective of our first week in quarantine, before we had all of the information that we do now on the pandemic. Stay tuned for fresh, new content this fall, including the series Teacher TAUK, Sports TAUK, and Let’s TAUK.

Tapestry Despite the physical distance this semester, our students’ creativity flourished under the guidance of their gifted Scan this QR code teachers. Mr. Steve Klinge with your phone camera to view and his students collaborated Tapestry 2020 virtually to complete the 2020 edition of Tapestry, our annual Student Fine Art and Literary magazine.

music Sophia Liston ’20 Wins Awards at Singing Competition The National Association of Teachers of Singing celebrates the art of singing through a series of competitions and programs that are designed to showcase the talented singers and performers who are soon to be rising stars in the profession.

Archmere’s Sophia Liston ’20 won third prize in the Eastern Region National Association of Teachers of Singing student auditions. The live auditions were moved to an on-line format in March.

Sophia’s third place win entitled her to move on to the national student auditions, held in conjunction with the organization’s biannual convention in June. Sophia competed for prize money and scholarships with high school women from around the country who had been named finalists in their regional competitions singing classical repertoire.

Founded in 1944, National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. (NATS) is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world with more than 7,000 members in the United States, Canada, and more than 35 other countries.

Scan this QR code with your phone camera to listen to Sophia sing

Will there really be a morning?

Richard Hundley

Ridente la calma, W.A. Mozart

The Doll Aria, Jacques Offenbach

Students Present Virtual Spring Coffeehouse on YouTube Archmere’s Spring Coffeehouse premiered on YouTube this year on May 8, and featured musical performances spanning a range of genres and approaches. As of September, the production has been viewed almost 1,200 times on YouTube.

Scan this QR code with your phone camera to view the Virtual Coffee House on YouTube

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

43

Around Campus |

student leadership

Isabelle Hanlon ’21 and Briley Strine ’21 Named 2020 LLS Students of the Year

STUDENT COUNCIL FOR 2020-21 On Friday, May 29, 2020, Student Council Moderator Mr. Mike Johnson announced the newly-elected Student Council Officers for 2020/21.

CLASS OF 2021 President: Sean Vanson Matt Benson Brian Carbajal Isabelle Hanlon Bridget McGonigle CLASS OF 2022 President: Eddie Zhang Pauline Hartman Ryan Hsieh Layla Nyabiosi Ben Wei CLASS OF 2023 President: Jess Lattanzi Katie Benson Gianni Capano Maya Shah Kieran Udovich

44

THE ARCHMEREAN

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student of the Year Campaign is an exciting leadership development and philanthropy program in which high school students participate in a fundraising competition to benefit LLS and the mission to cure blood cancers. The candidate or team who raises the most money at the end of the program is named Student of the Year for their local chapter. After being nominated by last year’s winners Erin Pearson ’20 and Alexandra Williamson ’20, Archmere candidates Isabelle Hanlon ’21 and Briley Strine ’21, along with support from family and friends, raised $142,064.86 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society fight against blood cancers and were named Students of the Year!

The candidates from the northern Delaware chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society alone have raised over $450,000 over the course of the seven weeks. In 2017, Archmere Headmaster Dr. Michael A. Marinelli ’76 also accepted the challenge, and began his Man of the Year campaign. After raising over $30,000 with the help of 225 donors, Dr. Marinelli was named the 2017 Delaware Chapter’s Man of the Year.

Ten Archmere Students in the Class of 2020 Named St. Francis de Sales Award Winners The Diocese of Wilmington St. Francis de Sales Awards Convocation for Catholic High School Seniors recognizes students for excellence in faith development, scholarship, service, leadership and citizenship. Ten Archmere students were recognized as award winners from the Class of 2020: Sofia Alvarez, Stephen D’Antonio, Matthew DiGregorio, Gabrielle Hogan, Abigail Kates, Emily Maceda, Riley McAvinue, Jessica Pei, Andrew Shi, and Rishi Subbaraya.

Each Spring, the Diocese of Wilmington sponsors the St. Francis de Sales Awards Convocation to recognize outstanding Catholic school seniors of the Catholic secondary schools in the Diocese of Wilmington. This year, the senior students from each of the eight Catholic secondary schools received their recognition and medals in the mail. Congratulations!

FALL 2020

Archmere Seniors Raise Money for A.I. duPont Healthcare Workers This summer, seniors Tyler Allison, Abigail Jones, Michael Acierno, Seamus Morgan, and Gabriella Gildea worked together to raise over $1,000 to support local restaurants and health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. They created a GoFund Me page called “Free Meals for Heroes” and collected money that was used to buy gift cards from local restaurants on Route 202. These gift cards were given to health care workers at A.I. duPont Hospital.

Chinwendu Emedoh ’23 Speaks at the United Nations Chinwendu Emedoh ’23 spoke at the United Nations’ 5th International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, 2020. Chinwendu addressed the need for innovative ideas for girls in science in less privileged areas to over 800 attendees that day. An avid philanthropist, Chinwendu devotes most of her extracurricular time to community service, and is not only a member of the Archmere Community Service Club, but she is also involved in the “Dive In” Diversity Club, and the 5k Club. The following was written by Chinwendu to describe her experience at the United Nations for the Archmere community.

I am the 8th grandchild of my grandparents who believed and lived their life on earth in service to humanity and community development on education. Growing up in the environment of my uncles and my aunts, I used this spirit of service to humanity from them and began to prepare myself on how to give back to my community. I started community service through the Youth Group program at my local church, and I’ve been participating in various community projects and services like serving the homeless at Chinwendu Emedoh ’23 pictured Hope Café, playing bingo with the elderly at nursing homes, and distributing Christmas at the UN with the H.R. H Princess gift donations from my local church. I became more passionate and fulfilled when I Dr. Nisreen El-Hashemite, heard the effects of these small actions. The Community Service Club at Archmere, the Executive Director of the Royal Academy of Science among other activities, has helped me to continue to do service and help other people.

International Trust and the My Mom’s older sister, Ambassador Dr. Ada JUNI Okika CDKA, who is the founder of the Women in Science Executive Director of Center for SDG Global Education USA and a United Nations International League.

Representative, saw this passion in me and mentored me to nurture my passion along Diplomatic Agenda. In her words, “I would like for you to grow up to become a United visionary of the Women and Nations Diplomat.” So, my first visit to the United Nations Girls in Science, Princess in New York was in August 2019 when my Mom and her “It was a great experience Nisreen El-Hashemite. She siblings launched our grandparent’s foundation, The Barr to listen to girls that were is the granddaughter of JUNI and Irene Menakaya Foundation International at King Faisal Bin El-Sharif the United Nations, whose main purpose is to promote older than me and younger Hussein and she shared her education for people in the rural communities around the than me from around the story on how she became world. The name came from my grandmother, who was world. It was very interesting passionate with science as an educationist and operated a nursery and elementary listening to their ideas on the only girl growing up school in the Eastern part of Nigeria. My grandmother how to make a difference in with her brothers in her didn’t live long enough for me to meet her, but the stories family. Her story inspired I’ve heard about her allowed me see myself as an extension other people’s lives, as that other girls to achieve their of her, always willing and ready to help others in need. This was also my goal as well.” dreams in science. I was led me to the opportunity to speak at the United Nations’ CHINWENDU EMEDOH ’23 actually very nervous to 5th International Day of Women and Girls in Science on speak even though I’ve February 11, 2020. done plenty of public speaking before, but when I saw The event involved about 800 attendees and started with presentations from so many this 11-year-old speak, my nerves settled a little more.. people from different parts of the world – like Turkey and France. There were also My next goal would be to try and get my ideas into use girls that came from different states and countries to promote the use of technology for and speak at the UN again. I would also like to encourage women and girls in poor communities. It was a great experience to listen to girls that more girls to live out their passion in any science field. were older than me and younger than me from around the world. It was very interesting I hope my experience will lead to others to go out listening to their ideas on how to make a difference in other people’s lives, as that was and try new experiences. I didn’t think I’d like to speak also my goal as well. I made suggestions on how we can achieve the goal by providing in front of hundreds of people until I actually did and resources for the less privileged in rural communities. I also listened to speeches by experienced it, and I enjoyed it. –Chinwendu Emedoh United Nations Ambassadors who are UN representatives of their countries, such as the

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

45

Around Campus |

student leadership

(continued)

Jack Flanagan ’21 Chosen for US Navy Arctic Buoy STEM Program After a very competitive application process, Jack Flanagan ’21 was selected by the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps to be part of their inaugural cadet training program, Arctic Buoy. This STEM based training includes the opportunity for chosen cadets to learn about and build research buoys. The Arctic Buoy STEM Program involves designing, developing, and readying the buoy for deployment to the Arctic Circle. The buoys, which will sit on an ice sheet, will then transmit data on ocean currents, climate patterns, ice drift, and more. This information will then be transmitted to the ABSP and its partners at the Office of Naval Research, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), East Carolina University, the University of Maryland, the University of Washington, and Old Dominion University.

Jack will remain part of the Arctic Buoy team for the next 12 months to review, analyze, and react to data acquired by the deployed buoy. In addition, Jack was one of two cadets from this group selected to travel to the Arctic Circle to deploy the buoys.

Two Archmere Students Selected as 2020 Delaware Youth Leadership Network (DYLN) Scholars Caroline Ho ’21 and Rohit Mathur ’21 were selected as one of 24 Scholars in the Delaware Youth Leadership Network’s 2020 Scholar cohort.

Both students participated in monthly meetings and external activities emphasizing networking, public speaking, teamwork, and more. Featured speakers and presenters offered real world insights and exposure to different careers paths. Ho explains, “Our main project throughout the year was to work in teams to create a DYLN Impact Project (DIP) that could help elementary, middle, or high schoolers in our community.”

There were six different teams, and the DYLN Scholars worked on everything from brainstorming using design thinking to contacting local schools and organizations to gain support and manifest their ideas, to presenting and pitching their work to professionals who work in service and education.

Caroline sought a community-based project with her leadership team. “My group titled our project “Music Mentors,” and we worked to implement a free, volunteer-based music program targeted for Delaware 46

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

Caroline Ho ’21

Rohit Mathur ’21

middle-schoolers. We developed curriculum, contacted middle schools, afterschool programs, and summer programs. We even did some virtual seminars when we had to shift to the virtual platform.

Some of my favorite and most valuable experiences from DYLN were meeting and collaborating with new peers from all across Delaware, practicing public speaking in a fun environment, and developing a really cool project that could last beyond DYLN.” DYLN also launched a new summer program this summer called Project Mastery, where participating Scholars learn more about the professional world, specifically diving into writing professional emails, accountability, and more networking – all through remote micro-internships.

Through Project Mastery, Caroline is interning at Multiplying Good’s Delaware Chapter and at First Founders’ Inc., serving as a Social Media Marketing Intern at both places. Both Rohit and Caroline were selected to return DYLN in 2020/21 and serve as two of six peer mentors, where they will help to develop and implement plans for the new 2021 DYLN Scholar cohort.

Q&A with Rohit Mathur ’21 DYLN Scholar & Entrepreneur Rohit Mathur ’21 is Archmere’s Student Body President and member of Archmere’s Student Council. In April of this year, Rohit and several friends co-founded KARM Consulting, a group that offers pro bono assistance to small businesses affected by COVID-19.

KARM Consulting

How did you develop the idea for KARM Consulting?

“In mid-April, my sister, who was a third-year law student at Northwestern Law at the time, was taking on pro bono legal work to offer legal advice to small businesses affected by COVID-19. As I talked to her and learned about the work she was doing, I started thinking about how I could assist those in need. I figured that I have a little bit of business expertise and a desire to help, so I could start reaching out to small businesses to see if there was any way I could help.”

KARM Consulting offers free services to businesses, and consists of a small group of high school students. How did you assemble the team to mobilize your vision?

“I connected with several friends and explained my idea. I reached out to Krish Malhotra, a local childhood friend, and then also connected with Max Wuchenich, a rising senior at Deerfield Academy who lives in Santa Monica, CA. I first met Max last year at a summer program called Economics For Leaders, at the University of Michigan. Max brought on Ari Kraan, another rising senior from Deerfield who lives in Hull, MA. In early May, the four of us started KARM Consulting.”

What kind of traction and momentum have you experienced in the few short months KARM Consulting was founded?

“At first, we weren’t sure exactly how we could help, but we hoped to make a large impact, especially given our geographic diversity. We began cold emailing family-owned small businesses in our local areas, explaining our goal and asking how we could be helpful. Our work ranged from advertising to social media help to providing business advice, such as strategy, market research, and product development and implementation. One of our ideas for a client generated $1,000 in just over a week. Within the first two weeks, we had 10 clients from DE, CA, and MA. Our clients included everything from single-location mom-and-pop shops to multi-location family-owned franchises. One of our most notable early clients was Mel’s Drive-In, a classic California diner that was featured in George Lucas’ 1973 hit film American Graffiti.”

What’s next for KARM Consulting?

“We just recently brought on Archie MacKechnie, a student at Dollar Academy in Edinburgh, Scotland, giving KARM Consulting an international presence. We hope to continue growing KARM Consulting and begin focusing on a specific sector of the market.”

Madison Stewart ’20 Named Delaware Online Athlete of the Week Madison Stewart ’20 was named the Delaware Online Athlete of the Week in March for her outstanding performance on the basketball court this year. Madison had 14 points and 6 assists in a 52-43 win over Woodbridge in the DIAA Girls Basketball Tournament. The basketball standout won an online vote over five other nominees. The Auks went 14-6 for the 2019-20 season.

Scoreboard Lighting On Friday, April 24, Archmere honored our student athletes with 20 minutes and 20 seconds on our Coaches Field scoreboard at 8 p.m. The coronavirus and COVID-19 canceled the 2020 spring sports season and the gesture was one small effort to honor all of our athletes who missed out on their 2020 season.

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

47

Archmere Seniors Plan to Continue Their Athletic Careers at the Collegiate Level Congratulations to the thirteen Archmere senior athletes who plan on continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

Caroline Antunes Georgetown University, Crew, International Political Economy

Michael Berman Centenary University, Basketball, Biology, Pre-Med

Phoebe Brinker Duke University, Golf, Computer Science

Tom Carney Franklin and Marshall College, Football, Finance

Vaughn DiBattista Ursinus College, Lacrosse, Media and Communications

Lauren Edmiston Wentworth Institute of Technology, Volleyball, Architecture

Jake Fallers Washington College, Baseball, Business/Business Management

Abigail Kates Bucknell University, Track & Field, Business

Rebekkah Kehoe Moravian College, Field Hockey, Elementary Ed. and Psychology

Jack Nielsen East Stroudsburg University, Baseball, Business Management

Andrew Rosenbaum University of South Carolina, Soccer, Sports and Retail Management

48

THE ARCHMEREAN

Madison Stewart Neumann University, Basketball, Nursing

FALL 2020

Fiona Teaney Alvernia University, Basketball, Nursing

“ We are proud of our seniors’ many commendable athletic accomplishments throughout the 2019-20 school year, and their four years at Archmere.”

DAVID OSWINKLE, ARCHMERE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

c nversations

Contents

@ArchmereAcademy

Archmere Academy

Archmere Academy

April 29

March 10

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” #weloveourseniors #guesswho #class of 2020

A fun night on the courts for a fantastic cause! It was our honor to be a part of the fight against childhood cancer.

Archmere Academy

July 29

Auks #stuco members are on campus this week planning their year and hanging with the #classof2024! #campuslife #gettingready #leaders

Archmere Academy

July 28

Summer Enrichment is off to a great start!

Love seeing members of our Class of 2024 on campus again. #auksareready #freshman

Archmere Academy

April 24

Archmere Academy April 1

We have amazing alums stepping up during this crisis! This week Dr. Mike Gioffre ’90 organized an effort by the Delaware Dental Foundation and Platinum Dining Group to deliver 80 meals from Capers and Lemons to the Christiana and Wilmington Hospitals. Along with the meals, he and Dr. Rob Penna ’85 delivered posters of support made by kids in the local community, along with masks and gloves donated by Dr. Gioffre’s First State Dental office.

In partnership with DIAA’s statewide campaign, tonight Archmere joined Delaware high schools in “Friday Night Lights” by lighting our scoreboard to honor our student athletes. Lit for 20 minutes and 20 seconds, we honored our #Classof2020 and the seniors we love #auks #seniorstrong #allinthistogether

Archmere Academy May 21

Happy Last Day of Classes to our Seniors We love you all so much and have been blessed to see you grow these past four years.

You are amazing young men and women and we cannot wait to celebrate all of your accomplishments! You all truly left this place better than you found it and we could not be prouder! #Class of 2020 #auksflytogether

Archmere Academy August 31

Auks are back on campus – staying six feet apart and with face masks, of course.

Archmere Academy March 6

Archmere Academy

Archmere students looking their best thanks to our College Counseling Department and their amazing effort to raise funds for the B+ Foundation! Don’t forget to donate to a team – The Archmere B+ Volleyball Tournament is tomorrow night. Come out on Saturday night to cheer the players on!

May 5

Archmere Academy April 30

Spanish II students wrote thank you notes to the Spanish speaking employees of St. Francis Hospital as part of their “text-based” Scavenger Hunt challenge this month. Thank you, to all of the front line workers! We are #grateful.

Highlighting our Intro to Design class artists!

Illustration projects with bound books or dictionary pages as the background and abstract paper weaving projects! #freshmenartists

Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont March 6 We are proud to have donated bow ties to Archmere Academy, who had over 130 faculty and students wear bow ties today to raise money for B+ Foundation (bepositive.org), which raises money to support families coping with childhood cancer. As part of their efforts, the College Counseling Office sponsored a Beau Ties for B+ fundraiser that totaled almost $800 or $5 per bow tie wearer.

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

49

Senior Parade & Special Gift Box Distribution Celebrating Our Very Special Class of 2020 On the afternoon of May 31, 2020, the date originally planned for Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2020, the administration, faculty and staff honored the date and celebrated the Class of 2020 with a Senior Parade and distributed personalized gift boxes to each of our seniors. The event was a fun and celebratory end of a most unusual school year.

Faculty and staff enjoyed the opportunity to see students and families in person and on campus after months of quarantine and social distancing. The palpable enthusiasm, positivity, and creative car-decorating lifted all of our spirits, and demonstrated that the Spirit of the Class of 2020 had not been permanently dampened by the pandemic.

As Gavin Fanning ’21 said in his note to Mr. Jordan, “WE GOT THIS!”

A special “Senior Gift Box”was carefully planned and prepared for each senior, and included a Senior Class Poster, a Class of 2020 mug, an Archmere felt penant, caps and gowns for the official Commencement ceremony (held on June 27, 2020), an “A” sugar cookie with green sprinkles from Corsi Bakery, an “Archmere Alumni” car sticker, and a beautiful limited edition signed print of a watercolor painting created by retiring art teacher Terry Newitt. As a final stop on the car parade, seniors were handed their personalized box by Dr. Michael Marinelli ’76 at the Patio port cochere.

50

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

Michael Francis Albero Sofia Alvarez Emily Faith Ambler Caroline Michaela Antunes Michael Tyler Berman Elise Ann Brady Phoebe McGuire Brinker TY McGrath Brinker Catherine James Brown Brian Richard Burns Thomas Angelo Carney Alexandra Nichole Chua Amarachi Ivan Chukwunenye Daniel Joseph Ciampoli Daniel Robert Clark Rory Alise Clarke Liam Troy Clements Oliver Casey Conaty Clara Alice Curren Luke Andrew Currie Samantha Madeline Curry Stephen Roth D’Antonio Adianis Diaz Vaughn Joseph DiBattista Matthew Patrick DiGregorio Madison Leigh Downey Lauren Alyssa Edmiston Jared Sean Etzrodt Jake G. Fallers Jill Elizabeth Farrell Ava Sophia Ferrara Sarah Ann Flenner Luke Edmund Fracek John Lewis Frankel Julia Grace Freney Nicholas Aaron Friedman Carter Matthew Galbus Jacob Michael Gehrt Isabella Jolynne Gioffre Sebastien Bishop Gray Brandon D. Grier Kieran Francis Hawkins Ashley Elizabeth Heitzenroder Owen Edward Hendrixson Keegan Herron Anh Kim Ho Gabrielle Mary Hogan Yaojie Huang Nina Penn Hurdis Mary Nwaobiaranuju Ayomiposi Ikeocha Sarah Catherine Jalot Grace Isabella Janvier Michael Thomas Kaiser Rohan Kakkilaya Abigail Lillian Kates Rebekkah Lynn Kehoe Michael Shaw Kelly Katherine Elizabeth Kent Bora Bradley Kilicoglu

class of

2020

Julia Taylor Kochie Quinn Douglass Lachman Meghan Frances Lairdieson Cassidy Danielle Lang Bailey Elizabeth Larmore Henry Alexander Li Sophia Eleanor Liston Sean William Ludlow Emily Lynn Maceda Isabella Francesca Magat Kenya Martinez Riley Michael McAvinue Matthew McDougal Magdalena Lenore Mendez William Randal Mendez Jacob Anthony Meredith Sophie Catherine Moosberg Jack Vincent Nielsen Heather Glenn Niemoeller Cameron Bryce Noval Liam Patrick O’Neill Nicholas Ikenna Onyemeke Kaylee Noelle Paranczak Julia Rose Parisi Erin Beck Pearson Jessica Pei Gabrielle Marie Penna Andrea Grace Penrod James A. Pinto Lindsay Christine Pinto Mackenzie Rae Popp Conor Patrick Porth Meghan Kathleen Presta Lauren Marie Raziano Melina Christine Reilly John Lucas Riveros Daniel Joseph Rogers Andrew Robert Rosenbaum Christopher John Rowley Madison Kathleen Ruggieri Andrew Shi Lauren Grace Simpson Alexander Ellis Steltz Madison Lynne Stewart Samantha Lynn Stinger Sadie Elizabeth Stover Rishi Sharma Subbaraya Fiona Rosemary Teaney Ciara Rose Trigg Daniel David Truono Jr. William Paul Van Belle Emma May Villaverde Madison Marie Wallace Alexandra Lee Williamson Lauren Delaney Wilson Xiaohan Zeng

Commencement |

Archmere Academy Class of 2020

2020 Baccalaureate Service & Commencement Exercises 115

members of the Class of 2020 will matriculate at

61

different colleges and universities and have been recognized by colleges, universities and outside groups with over

Celebrating the Class of 2020 Once Governor John Carney moved the State of Delaware into Phase 2 of reopening effective June 15, Archmere made plans to celebrate Baccalaureate Service and Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2020 on Saturday, June 27, 2020. The dual ceremony was held outdoors, and combined Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement Exercises into one event. The Baccalaureate Service began at 5 p.m., and was immediately followed by the Commencement Exercises.

The event took place on the front lawn of the Patio on a sunshine filled evening, and included video greetings from The Most Rev. W. Francis Malooley, D.D., the Ninth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington. The V. Rev. John C. Zagarella, O.Praem., Archmere’s Director of Guidance and Prior of Daylesford Abbey, was the Celebrant. Salutatorian Alexandra Williamson and Valedictorian Sophia Liston delivered remarks to the Class of 2020.

$17 million in Scholarships and Grants

52

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

Scan this QR code with your phone camera to watch the Commencement YouTube video.

“ THE CLASS OF 2020 is full of explorers with many confident to set their own course. This year’s graduates will be attending colleges in 21 different states and three counties, and nineteen are enrolling at schools no other Archmere graduate presently attends. Also, at a time when the average undergraduate student in the United States travels just over 100 miles from home to attend college, our Class of 2020 Auks will be traveling to places such as Austin and Auburn, Shanghai and Cincinnati, as well as Montreal and Manhattan and will enroll at universities an average of 389 miles from Archmere. We are thrilled to see these Auks fly, and we are thankful for the privilege to be a small part of their journey, and excited to see what their futures hold.” CHRIS BOEHM, DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

Academic Awards & Medals Class of 2020 Valedictorian was Sophia Liston, and the Salutatorian, Alexandra Williamson. Sophia will be heading off to the University of Pennsylvania to study International Relations, and Alexandra will head to Davidson this fall, majoring in Environmental Studies.

Riley McAvinue received the Archmere Medal, the school’s most prestigious award, which is given to the senior whom the faculty believes best exemplifies the ideals and values of Archmere. The Activity Medal, the second-highest honor, went to Abigail Kates. The medal recognizes service and participation.

Mathematics Medal: Andrew Shi Science Medal: Andrew Shi English Medal: Phoebe Brinker Theology Medal: Sofia Alvarez Chinese Medal: Sophia Liston Vocal Music Medal: Sophia Liston French Medal: Alexandra Williamson Spanish Medal: Clara Curren History Medal: Melina Reilly Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Medal: Jessica Pei Computer Science Medal: Rohan Kakkilaya Art Medal: Meghan Presta Christian Service Medal: Gabrielle Hogan Drama Medal: Stephen D’Antonio Instrumental Music Medal: Michael Kelly Humanities Medal: Alexandra Williamson Boys Athletics Medal: Matthew DiGregorio Girls Athletics Medal: Abigail Kates

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

53

State of the Academy Dear Friends of Archmere, development and service opportunities – especially while we have had to create virtual platforms for these experiences. Your generosity has also enabled us to provide financial aid to our families who have suffered direct economic impact from the pandemic. Special thanks are in order for our Board of Trustees, Advancement Committee, Alumni Council, Mothers Guild, Fathers Club, and the tireless volunteers who worked to make their programs successful – even as the COVID pandemic unfolded. Donations to the Archmere Fund not only exceeded goal, but they increased by 14% over the prior year. We also want to recognize the generosity of the anonymous donors who provided matching gifts to spur on the success of our May 20 Giving Day, which raised more than $125,000.

In the following pages and online*, you will see statistics about the generosity of our donors, along with listings of specific donors, endowed funds and donors who have chosen to support the Archmere community through planned giving.

These numbers and lists are all inspiring examples of the Archmere community stepping up in the Spirit of St. Norbert.

Thank you for your continued support. If you have not yet made your gift to the Archmere Fund this year, please use the enclosed envelope or visit ArchmereAcademy.com/giving. Now more than ever, your support is critical to the Archmere community.

In order to appreciate what was achieved in Advancement at Archmere last year, we have to recognize the context of the times. 2020 has certainly been a year that none of us will forget. On one hand, we’ve all experienced great uncertainty along with personal loss and sadness as we witnessed the devasting effects of the COVID pandemic. But on the other hand, we have been blessed with the opportunity to be truly inspired by the personal sacrifices of dedicated healthcare professionals, frontline workers and so many others who “stepped up” – frequently at great personal risk – to ease the suffering around them. Our own Archmere community is full of inspiring examples of students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni who have stepped up during these challenging times – the alumni featured on page 61 are just a few examples of members of our community embracing the vision of St. Norbert during times of need.

We are grateful to our many donors and volunteers who also stepped up in 2019-2020 to support Archmere financially. Your help has been critical to Archmere’s mission of nurturing our students through excellent academics, faith reflection, social

REVENUE

Gratefully, Elaine Fry Reilly JD ’83, PA ’13, ’17, ’20 Chief Advancement Officer

EXPENSES

ENDOWMENT & INVESTMENT INCOME

5.11% NET TUITION & FEES

ANNUAL FUND (GROSS)

4.95%

90.18%

OTHER PROGRAM (NET)

ADMINISTRATIVE

7.90%

DEBT SERVICE

7.56%

SALARIES & BENEFITS

72.32%

MAINTENANCE & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

-0.24%

6.91%

INSTRUCTIONAL & STUDENT SERVICES

5.31%

Current Endowment Value $14,951,235

|

Total Giving $1,440,908

*The full list of donors is available online at ArchmereAcademy.com/honor-roll

54

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

|

Unrestricted Archmere Fund $593,447

in support of Archmere

Now more than ever, our world needs empathetic leaders… young men and women prepared for every good work.

Inspired by St. Norbert, Archmere cultivates tomorrow’s leaders by focusing on the whole person through academic excellence, faith reflections, social development, and service to others.

• A n increasingly diverse student body, with minority student representation increased by 92% compared to ’13-’14 • D edicated and engaged faculty, 85% of whom hold advanced degrees • S tudent/teacher ratio 9:1 • 2 3 Advanced Placement Course Offerings • 1 :1 student Mac laptop program enabling 21st century learning environment • A ward-winning visual and performing arts programs • C ompetitive sports program with 92% participation rate • 2 ,000+ community service hours performed by students

Growing the Archmere Fund is vital to continuing Archmere’s mission – please step up and make your gift to the Archmere Fund today

| The Honor Roll of Donors

THE ARCHMERE COMMUNITY STEPS UP IN 2019-2020

100% 190

Donors who increased gift from previous year

Board of Trustee participation

131 New Donors to the Archmere Fund

354

Donors who have given 5+ consecutive years

$36,006 From Alumni Council

$77,100

From Parents Clubs

LIKE ALL INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS, ARCHMERE CANNOT ACCOMPLISH ITS MISSION BASED ON TUITION REVENUE ALONE. Annual

giving and endowment income are crucial to sustaining the school’s success and preserving the Archmere experience we value so deeply.

Our most sincere thanks to everyone who made gifts to support Archmere in the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Included here is a list of gifts made to Archmere at the Fellow Level ($1,000 and up) between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. A comprehensive list of donors at all giving levels may be found at ArchmereAcademy.com/honor-roll.

ST. NORBERT SOCIETY $75,000+ Mr. and Mrs. Rocco Abessinio Mrs. Kristy K. Ambrogi Mr. William Church and Mr. John Washburn Mr. and Mrs. Kevin J. Gilroy Mr. David P. Hogan ’87 and Mrs. Michelle L. Hogan Mr. Joseph H. Moglia BLESSED HUGH SOCIETY $50,000-$74,999 Archmere Mothers’ Guild

ST. EVERMODE SOCIETY $25,000-$49,999 Archmere Alumni Association Mr. Frank J. Behm ’74 and Mrs. Andrea M. Behm Mr. Robert P. Quercetti ’89 and Mrs. Diane E. Quercetti Mr. Michael Reilly and Mrs. Elaine Reilly ’83 Mr. Thomas A. Scully, Esq. ’75 and Mrs. Anne Scully Mr. Richard B. Seidel ’59 and Mrs. Ann Seidel Mrs. Neilli M. Walsh, Esq. and Mr. Peter J. Walsh, Esq.

ST. HERMAN JOSEPH SOCIETY $15,000-$24,999 Mr. Louis J. Capano, Jr. ’69 ST. GODFREY SOCIETY $10,000-$14,999 ADVIS Mr. Mark Aitken ’79 Archmere Fathers’ Club Dr. Diane L. Ferry Dr. John V. Flynn, Jr. ’60 and Mrs. Mary Lou Flynn FMC Corporation Matching Gift Plan

Ms. Eloise Haller Mr. Michael J. Hare ’79 Mr. Francis J. Hickman ’64 and Mrs. Stephanie Hickman Dr. Gerard Kuhn and Dr. Katherine King Mr. Phillip C. Liu and Mrs. Kathryn Tullis Mr. and Mrs. James F. Malseed Dr. Robert A. Penna ’85 and Mrs. Melanie A. Penna Dr. and Ms. Robert A. Rosenbaum Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Shields ’60 Dr. James A. Stockman, III ’61 and Mrs. Lee Stockman

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

55

The Honor Roll of Donors | PRÉMONTRÉ ABBEY SOCIETY $5,000-$9,999 Mr. Thomas H. Anderson, III ’60 and Mrs. Carol J. Anderson Dr. Kert F. Anzilotti ’61 and Mrs. Marie G. Anzilotti Mrs. Lauren J. Baker ’97 Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Benson Mr. Christopher J. Butler ’93 and Mrs. Christine Butler Mr. Paul L. Casey ’75 and Mrs. Kathryn T. Casey Mr. Joseph P. Clark ’77 and Mrs. Joanne F. Clark Mr. Kevin J. Coghlan ’76 and Mrs. Sharon Coghlan Mr. Robert R. Dorsch ’61 and Mrs. Candice M. Dorsch Mr. and Mrs. Kevin M. Fogarty Mr. W. Joseph Ford, Jr. and Ms. Kathleen M. Behm The Honorable Louis J. Freeh and Mrs. Marilyn A. Freeh Mr. Daniel Gatti Mr. and Mrs. John S. Gerard Mr. and Mrs. James Kaiser Mr. and Mrs. John B. Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Dennis J. Knitowski Mr. Kevin J. Lagasse ’80 and Mrs. Nancy Q. Lagasse Mr. Michael P. Lee ’89 and Mrs. Tish Lee Dr. Michael A. Marinelli ’76 and Mrs. Diane C. Marinelli Mrs. Michele S. McCarthy ’79 and Mr. Patrick J. McCarthy Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. McCord The McDougal Family Mr. William J. Meakem, Sr. ’64 and Mrs. Cathy W. Meakem Mr. E. Robert Meaney ’65 and Mrs. Angenette Meaney Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. O’Dwyer Mr. John D. Pastor ’58 and Mrs. Diane Pastor Mr. James T. Prendergast, Jr. ’77 and Ms. Eleanor Wu Dr. and Mrs. Denis P. Rogers Mr. C. Leslie Sweeney ’85 and Mrs. Sarah Sweeney Dr. Anthony A. Vasile ’74 and Mrs. Lori A. Vasile Mr. Anthony S. Voell ’89 and Mrs. Amanda Voell Dr. F. Thomas Witomski ’54

56

THE ARCHMEREAN

BENEFACTOR $2,500-$4,999 Mr. Vincent T. Abessinio ’93 Mr. Harold P. Anderson ’64 and Mrs. Ginny Anderson Mr. Richard B. Angiullo ’90 and Ms. Holly Lissner Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Bacon, Esq. Mrs. Katherine Ball-Weir, CFRE and Dr. Carl E. Weir, Jr. Boeing Dr. Anne Marie Borneman ’77 and Dr. John P. Borneman ’76 Ms. Traci Clark Mr. John A. Clark, III ’64 Mrs. Nancy A. Cooper Edwin J. Dealy ’91 Mr. John X. Denney, Jr. ’63 and Mrs. Mary L. Denney Mr. E. Andrew DiSabatino, Jr. ’69 and Mrs. Catherine DiSabatino Mark Dombroski Foundation B. Christopher Dougherty, Ph.D. ’85 and Mrs. Joanne Dougherty Eaton Company Mr. and Mrs. Richard Facciolo Mr. and Mrs. Michael Finizio Mr. William F. Githens ’64 and Mrs. Marie Pat Githens Josten’s Inc. Mr. Kevin M. Kelly ’81 and Mrs. Shari M. Kelly Mrs. Megan M. Kelly Dr. Joseph A. Kuhn ’65 and Mrs. Virginia F. Kuhn Mrs. Rita C. Lee and Mr. Ronald P. Lee ’61 Mrs. Stephanie Penna Lutz ’83 and Mr. John T. Lutz Mr. James R. Maddox, III ’89 and Mrs. Sandra H. Maddox ’89 Ms. Genevieve Burke Marino ’83 Mr. and Mrs. Craig G. Naylor Mr. and Mrs. Terry J. Newitt Mr. John J. Nowaczyk ’87 and Ms. Ciara M. O’Connell ’87 Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ruggieri Lt. Col. Thomas L. Sack ’62 and Mrs. Patricia A. Sack Mr. Danilo R. Salameda and Dr. Patricia M. Moore Mr. Ravi Subbaraya and Dr. Vidyarani Subbaraya Mrs. Debra Whitby-Norman and Mr. Stephen C. Norman, Esq. Mrs. Karen Fry Wisniewski ’81

FALL 2020

in support of Archmere

PATRON $1,500-$2,499 Mr. Winston O. Akoto and Ms. Tamara C. Sampson Mr. Michael A. Albero ’88 and Mrs. Jennifer L. Albero Anonymous Mr. Carl S. Campion ’76 and Mrs. Joyce A. Campion Mr. Jack J. Clark ’82 and Mrs. Beth M. Clark Dr. George T. J. Cunningham ’55 and Mrs. Patricia K. Cunningham Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists Mr. and Mrs. John H. Denning Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. DeSantis Mr. Joel W. Dowling ’93 Ms. Joanne F. Fabrizio ’97 Mr. Anthony G. Flynn, Esq. ’69 and Mrs. Catherine C. Flynn Mr. Edward Fosbenner and Mrs. Sharon Diamond-Fosbenner Mr. Richard J. Giacco, Esq. ’70 and Mrs. Lisa M. Giacco Mr. Robert J. Glass, Jr. ’57 and Mrs. Susan M. Glass Mr. Domenic S. Grillo ’65 Lt. James M. Hansel ’77 and Dr. Sandra B. Hansel Mr. and Mrs. Eugene M. Julian Mr. Brendan S. Killeen ’73 and Mrs. Carol I. Killeen Mr. and Mrs. Alan B. Levin Dr. and Mrs. Austin A. Lobo Mr. Robert T. Markel, Ph.D ’61 Mrs. Ursula L. Praiss Mr. and Mrs. Marc A. Ross ’91 Mr. and Mrs. Henry T. Rossi Mr. and Mrs. Justin M. Ryan Mr. Andrew C. Strine ’86 SunTrust Foundation Mr. James L. Verna ’82 and Mrs. Loriann M. Verna Dr. Barbara A. Wasik and Dr. James P. Byrnes Ms. Danielle K. Yearick, Esq. ’90 Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP Dr. and Mrs. Bing Zhang

(continued)

FELLOW $1,000-$1,499 Mr. Daniel Amoroso Archmere Soccer Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Arvedlund Dr. David E. Bartkus ’66 and Dr. Carolyn Y. Woo Mr. Richard M. Beck, Esq. ’82 Mr. Sean J. Bellew, Esq. ’90 and Mrs. MaryJo Bellew Mr. Michael C. Boyd ’59 and Mrs. Ruth Boyd Mr. Sean C. Carroll ’94 and Mrs. Tanya Carroll Mr. Gerald E. Carpenter ’66 and Mrs. Margaret A. Carpenter Ms. Mercedes C. Chartier ’14 Dr. Elias Chua and Mrs. Paula Chua Rev. Andrew Ciferni, O.Praem.

Mr. and Mrs. John F. Cirillo, III Mr. Anthony Clark Ms. Joanna Cline and Mr. Larry Shiekman Mrs. Joan Connolly Mr. John J. Cunningham, Jr. ’78 and Mrs. Alyce S. Cunningham Mr. and Ms. Chunquan Dai Rev. Francis B. Danielski, O.Praem.

Daylesford Abbey Delaware Community Foundation Dell Your Cause, LLC Mr. Raymond F. Donovan ’79 and Mrs. Janice Donovan Dr. and Mrs. William J. Doyle Rev. David Driesch, O.Praem.

Dr. Jeffrey J. Emmi ’80 Rev. Michael K. Evans, Sr. ’77 and Mrs. Elizabeth D. Evans Mr. and Mrs. Eric H. Garcia Mr. William E. Gehrman ’88 Mrs. Bernadette Gilmore Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence S. Giordano Mrs. Dolores Gremminger Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Guariano Mr. Michael Hardy ’72 and Mrs. Debbie Hardy Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Harrington Healthy Smiles of Delaware, P.A. Mr. and Mrs. John E. Healy, III Dr. Stephen J. Horan ’72 and Dr. Sheila B. Horan Mr. and Mrs. David Ifkovits Mr. John F. Jebb, III ’74 Mr. Jeffrey J. Jenkins ’91 Mr. and Mrs. John H. Kennedy, Jr. Ms. Jane F. Keough

FOUNDER SOCIETY Named in honor of Archmere’s founder, Abbot Bernard H. Pennings, O.Praem., the Founder Society recognizes the families and individuals who have told us of their intentions to include Archmere Academy in their wills or other estate plans. If you have included Archmere in your plans, please tell us! By letting us know, we can work together with you to make sure your gift will be used as you intend. It also serves as an inspiration for others to do the same.

For more information about Archmere’s Founder Society and the benefits of joining, contact Katherine Ball-Weir, CFRE, Director of Institutional Advancement, at kballweir@archmereacademy.com.

Mr. William B. Larson, Jr., Esq. ’04 and Mrs. Stephanie Larson Mr. Anthony A. Latini, Jr. ’82 and Mrs. Eileen O. Latini Mr. and Mrs. Karl J. Law Mr. Stephen C. Lemak ’89 and Mrs. Lindsay Simone Ms. Kara A. Mangone 2004 Mr. W. Craig C. Marvel ’85 and Mrs. Stephanie McCann ’85 Mr. Christopher J. Mascioli ’78 and Mrs. Susan A. Mascioli Dr. James R. McBride ’61 and Mrs. Carol McBride Mr. Michael J. McColgan ’73 and Mrs. Angela McColgan Mr. Kevin McGuinness ’82 and Mrs. Victoria C. McGuinness The Rev. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Orzel Dr. and Mrs. Benedict Parenti PNC Bank, N.A. Mr. and Mrs. John Poplawski Mr. Daniel B. Rath, Esq. and Mrs. Monica Mizgerd Rath Mr. Timothy A. Reilley Mr. Algis K. Rimkus ’54 and Mrs. Matilde Rimkus Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Risnychok Mr. Nicholas F. Sanna ’98 Mr. Paul H. Scarbrough ’79 Dr. and Mrs. Frank L. Schadt, III Mr. William F. Schollins ’64 and Mrs. Lynn Schollins Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Sills Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Simpson

Dr. Joseph M. Small ’61 and Mrs. Susan Small Mr. and Mrs. Mark E. Stalnecker Mr. Donald E. Stewart, Jr. and Mrs. Karen A. Stewart Mr. and Mrs. Alan J. Stone, Esq. Mr. Andrew G. Takats ’77 and Mrs. Deborah Takats Dr. and Mrs. Russell J. Tibbetts Mr. Anthony M. Tosi ’63 and Mrs. Elizabeth Tosi Dr. and Dr. David Vanson Dr. Sean Wang and Ms. Monica Ho Mrs. Elizabeth A. Weinig ’91 and Mr. Greg Weinig Mrs. Victoria Yatzus Mr. and Mrs. Curt E. Zahnow ’86 Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Zahnow GIFT-IN-KIND DONORS Mr. William Church and Mr. John Washburn Mr. Dennis Cook Mr. Benjamin H. Deeble and Mrs. Lois O. Deeble The Estate of Leonard Desmond Mr. James R. Maddox, III ’89 and Mrs. Sandra H. Maddox ’89 Mr. Anthony Medori and Mrs. Gina Medori Mr. Robert P. Quercetti ’89 and Mrs. Diane E. Quercetti Tile Market of Delaware Mr. John V. Watson ’83 and Mrs. Kimberly H. Watson Mr. Timothy L. Watson ’86 and Mrs. Kathleen C. Watson

FOUNDER SOCIETY 2019-2020 Mr. and Mrs. Rocco Abessinio Mrs. Kristy Ambrogi Mr. Thomas H. Anderson, III ’60 and Mrs. Carol J. Anderson Mr. J. Gregory Carroll ’66 and Mrs. Suzanne Carroll Mr. Charles Conway, Ph.D. ’52 Mr. John F. Daniels, Esq. ’70 Mr. Robert R. Dorsch ’61 and Mrs. Candice M. Dorsch Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Emmi Dr. Diane L. Ferry Dr. John V. Flynn, Jr. ’60 and Mrs. Mary Lou Flynn Mrs. Juliet Fuscsick Mr. Kevin and Mrs. Rosemary Gilroy Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence S. Giordano Mr. Robert J. Glass, Jr. ’57 and Mrs. Susan M. Glass Mr. Dominic S. Grillo ’65 Mr. and Mrs. Carl E. Hertrich Mr. Francis Hickman ’64 Mrs. Joan Joyce Mr. Kevin M. Kelly ’81 and Mrs. Shari M. Kelly Mr. Richard G. Lanahan ’60 and Mrs. Pam J. Lanahan Mrs. Charles F. Mealey Mr. Joseph P. Melloy, Sr. ’52 Dr. Joseph A. Miller, Jr., and Ms. Rachel C. Wood Mr. Michael J. Monaco ’61 Mr. and Mrs. Peter M. Morris Mr. John W. Oravis ’70 Mr. John D. Pastor ’58 and Mrs. Diane Pastor Dr. Stanley T. Praiss ’57* and Mrs. Ursula L. Praiss Mr. Timothy A. Reilley Dr. Richard A. Rowe ’46 and Mrs. Grace B. Rowe Mrs. Mary Ellen Schauber and Mr. Ed Stegemeier Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Shields ’60 Ms. Stephanie Short Mr. Charles E. Sibre ’67 and Mrs. Ellen R. Sibre Mrs. MaryAnn E. O’Brien Slowik ’79 and Mr. Jeffrey J. Slowik Ms. Deborah McHugh Truscello ’81 Mr. Anthony S. “T.J.” Voell ’89 and Mrs. Amanda Voell Mr. David A. Voell ’89 and Mrs. Tara Voell Mr. F. John Waldron ’67 Dr. F. Thomas Witomski ’54 *Deceased March, 2020

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

57

Endowment Funds |

in support of Archmere

NAMED ENDOWMENT FUNDS HONOR INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILIES, AND PROVIDE PERMANENT SUPPORT FOR ARCHMERE’S PROGRAMS AND FACILITIES, enhancing academic programs, maintaining the collegiate-style campus, and providing financial aid to

deserving students. Named scholarships and endowed gifts begin at a minimum of $20,000, payable over a period of up to five years. For more information about contributing to an existing endowment fund or creating your own, contact Katherine Ball-Weir, CFRE, Director of Institutional Advancement, at 302.798.6632, ext. 857, or kballweir@archmereacademy.com.

Alumni Scholarship Fund Jerry Ambrogi Family Scholarship Paul Andrisani, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund Lili & Willard Anzilotti Memorial Scholarship Appleton Family Scholarship Fund Archmere Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship Fund Archmere’s Student Council Scholarship Fund Rev. Alexander Arendt, O.Praem Memorial Scholarship Behavioral Health Programming Endowment Fund Stacey Weaver Berrier ’84 Scholarship R. Christopher Bradley ’56 Endowment Fund John J. Carroll Memorial Scholarship Fund Fred Casino ’81 Memorial Scholarship Amanda Chandler Performing Arts Fund Joseph J. & Kathleen M. Clark Family Scholarship Class of 1946 Scholarship Fund Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund Class of 1962 Scholarship Fund Class of 1963 Scholarship Fund Class of 1964 Scholarship Fund Class of 1965 Scholarship Fund Class of 1966 Scholarship Fund Class of 1979 Scholarship Fund Class of 1983 Scholarship Fund Class of 1987 Memorial Scholarship Fund Paul Clemens Scholarship Fund David Coates Memorial Scholarship Fund Michael Curcio Memorial Fund for the Arts Joseph Davalos ’59 Memorial Scholarship Fund Stuart Degginger ’39 Scholarship Fund Denning Family Scholarship Fund Edward D. Devine Memorial Scholarship Kevin Dieter, M.D. ’75 Memorial Scholarship Phyllis DiNardo Memorial Scholarship Fund Rev. Justin Diny, O.Praem.

Memorial Scholarship Fund Rev. Justin Diny, O.Praem. Scholarship, Funded by Class of ’49 Patricia DiSabatino Memorial Scholarship Mark Lee Dombrowski ’17 Scholarship Fund Anthony R. Domini ’57 Scholarship Fund Robert W. Donahue, Jr. ’66 Memorial Scholarship Martin J. Donnelly Scholarship Edward T. & Helen M. Doyle Memorial Fund Endowment Scholarship Fund Farrell Family Scholarship Fund Father’s Club Scholarship Fund

58

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

Rev. George Feldman, O.Praem.

Memorial Scholarship Filliben Family Scholarship Fund Flynn Family Scholarship Fund Founder’s Scholarship Fund Rev. Vincent Freiberg, O.Praem. Scholarship Joan Gremminger Gatti ’81 Memorial Scholarship Fund Giacco Family Scholarship Ralph E. Giles Scholarship Fund Gilroy Family Scholarship Mark Giordano ’95 Memorial Scholarship Goett Family Scholarship Fund Grabowski Family Scholarship Green Family Scholarship Fund Gunnip Family Scholarship Fund Hansel Family Memorial Scholarship Fund John and Joan P. Hare Scholarship Fund Hauer Family Scholarship Fund Rev. Daniel F. Hurley, O.Praem. Scholarship Fund Mercedes Hutchins Memorial Scholarship Fund John Jordan ’80 Scholarship Fund John P. Kelly ’63 Scholarship Fund John H. Kennedy III ’98 Memorial Scholarship Rev. Henry J. Kerr ’58 O.Praem.

Memorial Scholarship Abbot Sylvester M. Killeen, O.Praem Scholarship Fund Margaret C. King Memorial Scholarship John & Lottie Kwoka Memorial Scholarship Fund Laffey & McHugh Families Scholarship Fund Carolyn Handy Letts Memorial Scholarship Fund LoBosco Family Scholarship Fund Lobosco-Fleitz Family Scholarship Abbot John M. Logan, O.Praem. Scholarship Fund Frank Mariani Memorial Scholarship Fund Pasquale and Helen Marinelli Memorial Scholarship Fund Pasquale Marinelli ’91 Memorial Scholarship Fund Daniel J. Marino, Jr. ’65 Memorial Scholarship Wm. Mathews ’70 Memorial Scholarship Fund Rev. Michael J. McKeough, O.Praem.

Memorial Scholarship Rev. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem. Scholarship Fund Memorial Scholarship Fund Mothers’ Guild Scholarship Fund Henry L. Mugel ’55 Memorial Scholarship Fund Abbot John E. Neitzel, O.Praem. Scholarship Fund Norbertine Fathers Scholarship Fund John A. O’Meara Scholarship Fund

Olivero Family Scholarship Fund Opus Bonnum Scholarship Fund Orzel Family Fund-Courage Award Rev. Roger W. Paider, O.Praem.

Memorial Scholarship Fund Abbot Bernard H. Pennings, O.Praem.

Memorial Scholarship Penza-Ciconte Family Scholarship Charles A. Petrillo Family Scholarship Fund Piane Family Scholarship Fund Stanley T. Praiss ’57 Reserve Fund for Patio Restoration Raskob Scholarship Fund Schulman Scholarship Fund in Memory of Anthony Penna ’19 Scully Family Endowment Scholarship Seidel Family Scholarship Sullivan Family Scholarship Fund Robert H. & Ann F. Sweeney Scholarship Fund Swoyer Family Scholarship Fund Msgr. Paul J. Taggart ’36 Memorial Scholarship Fund Mark T. Vandenbraak ’72 Memorial Scholarship Fund Voell Family Scholarship Fund Wang Family Scholarship Fund Wensel Family Scholarship Fund Will White ’04 Fund for Baseball Field Maintenance Yuravich/Yurri Scholarship Fund ENDOWMENT FUNDS THAT SUPPORT MINORITY SCHOLARSHIPS Naomi Christina Biden Memorial Scholarship Edward E. Ford Foundation Scholarship Fund Gerard S. and Mabel Iriarte Scholarship Fund Laffey & McHugh Families Scholarship Fund MBNA Minority Scholarship Rev. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Jubilee Minority Scholarship Fund Miller-Wood Minority Scholarship Fund Restricted Minority Scholarship OTHER ENDOWMENTS/ SPECIAL FUNDS Class of 2020 Financial Aid Fund for COVID Relief Community Service Computer Education Curriculum Faculty Enrichment Faculty Salary Dick Joyce ’49 Bequest, Board Designated Endowment Library Unrestricted

Recently Established Endowed Scholarships

The Stanley T. Praiss ’57 Reserve Fund for Patio Restoration FOUNDER SOCIETY MEMBER AND ARCHMERE ALUMNUS LEAVES AN ENDURING LEGACY, FUND FOR CONTINUED HISTORIC PRESERVATION Archmere Alumnus and Founder Society member Dr. Stanley T. Praiss, DDS, ’57 passed away this spring on March 1, 2020. For 52 years, he was the cherished husband of Ursula L. Praiss.

Stanley loved Archmere, and he especially loved the Patio. Stanley and Ursula were regular attendees at concerts and events in the Patio; they were Green Concert Sponsors, and, as Founder Society members, enjoyed the Patio dinners with fellow planned giving donors every spring. Because of his interest in the building, a generous gift from his estate has now established the Stanley T. Praiss Reserve Fund for Patio Restoration.

Originally from Camden, NJ, Stanley had an accomplished career in dentistry that spanned more than four decades, beginning with a commission in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Korea, then Germany during his time in the US Army Dental Corps and attained the rank of Major. In 1969 he returned home to take over his father’s dental practice in Camden, and later moved his practice to Cherry Hill. His passion for dentistry led to a lifelong education in the field. He was an early pioneer in the field of dental implantation. The final years of his career were spent teaching in the residency program at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

The Grabowski Family Scholarship Fund was established by Henry “Hank” Grabowski ’93 to provide tuition scholarship support for economically disadvantaged students showing an interest and aptitude in STEM. Alumnus Michael J. Hare ’79 has established The John Jordan ’80 Scholarship Fund to honor the legacy and leadership of his fellow alumnus. The scholarship fund will be a permanent recognition of John’s 30-year career at Archmere as teacher, coach, admissions counselor and principal.

Les Sweeney ’85 started The Robert H. & Ann F. Sweeney Memorial Scholarship Fund as a way to honor his parents. The Fund provides support for students entering Archmere from the Delaware public school system.

Dr. Diane Ferry established the Will White ’04 Fund for Baseball Field Maintenance to honor the memory of her son William A. D. White ’04, and the Archmere Baseball Field named after him. This operating fund endowment will help support annual routine maintenance of the field, and other related projects when possible.

Scholarship Program Many students rely on financial assistance to enable them to study at Archmere. This past school year, approximately 70% of our students qualified for some level of financial assistance; each year, the Academy is unable to meet the total need identified by the financial aid process for all families who apply for assistance.

A student’s financial need is determined by an independent outside service—School & Student Services, of the National Association of Independent Schools—and is re-evaluated each year that the student is enrolled. The vast majority of our financial assistance given is need based; scholarships are awarded to students who face financial challenges and would otherwise not be able to attend Archmere. Limited funds are also given to top scholastic achievers, based on their entrance examination scores, school transcript, and personal interview. Funds for these merit scholarships are provided by board-directed unrestricted gifts. In all cases, scholarship grants are awarded to qualified entering freshmen, and are available for their four years at Archmere.

If you would like to assist our students, gifts of any amount may be contributed to existing scholarships, or you may establish a new named scholarship to honor or memorialize a loved one. For more information please contact Katherine Ball-Weir, CFRE, Director of Institutional Advancement, at kballweir@archmereacademy.com.

Gifts in memory of Stanley and in support of his Fund for Patio Restoration may be made online at www.archmereacademy.com/give.

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

59

Alumni News Michael J. Algeo ’68

Joe Biden ’61

1988

1961

Nathan J. Andrisani, Esq. ’88, a partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, recently represented Andrew Swainson, a man who was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1989 and spent 31 years in jail. In February 2020, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office declared that his case should be overturned.

Archmere Alumnus Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. ’61 has been named the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States of America. Biden’s leadership began during his formative teenage years at Archmere Academy where he was elected President of his Junior and Senior Class and was a homeroom representative. Biden served as the 47th Vice President of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate from 1973 to 2009. Three of Biden’s children attended Archmere, Hunter ’88, and Ashley ’99, and the late Joseph R. (Beau) Biden III ’87.

1968

1974 | 2020

Michael J. Algeo ’68 served on both the District and Circuit Courts in Maryland. Since his retirement from the bench, he has served as Special Counsel to the State’s Attorney’s Office in Montgomery County, MD. He was also appointed by Maryland Governor, Larry Hogan, to serve as Chairman of the Maryland Racing Commission, home of the Preakness. He has recently been reappointed to another four year term.

Cousins Tom Carney ’20 and Rob Carney ’74 now share a similar graduation experience, since 1974 was the last year that Commencement Exercises were held outside of the Patio.

The Class of 2020 celebrated Commencement on the front lawn of the Patio.

60

THE ARCHMEREAN

Nathan J. Andrisani, Esq ’88

1980 John J. Jordan ’80 was appointed Headmaster of Saint Edmond’s Academy, effective July 1, 2020.

St. Edmond’s Academy is an all-boys Catholic, Independent school founded in 1959 by

FALL 2020

1991

John J. Jordan ’80

the Congregation of the Holy Cross. The school currently serves students from Junior Kindergarten through eighth grade, and is located in Wilmington, DE. Mr. Jordan joins St. Edmond’s after nearly three decades with Archmere Academy, first as an English teacher, then Director of Admissions, and most recently, as Principal of the school – a position he has held since 2012.

On March 16, 2020, Michael T. Taylor, Esq. ’91 received the endorsement of the Republican Committee of Chester County to run for the Pennsylvania General Assembly – D155 in the November 2020 election.

1993 Christopher J. Butler ’93 was named Vice President of Eaton’s Power Quality Business in the Americas in 2019 and relocated to Raleigh, NC, with his family (Christine, Thomas and Amelia).

1995 Jonathan W. Ferro ’95 and Kathy Rosini Ferro ’95 welcomed their little girl Ruby Kathryn on April

ALUMNI COVID-19 STORIES

Pictured at Monique Rollins’ DCAD opening on February 21, 2020. Left to right: Robin Newitt PP ’95, ’02, Stephanie Welch Silverman ’00, former Archmere Art Teacher Terry Newitt PP ’95, ’02, Michele Rollins PP ’98, ’00, ’01, Former Archmere World Languages & Cultures Teacher Rosalba Bellen PP ’95, ’98, ’00, and Melissa Bellen (attended Archmere 1989-91).

Wesley Emanuel Hertrich

Ruby Kathryn Ferro

11, 2020. Big brothers Dylan (11) Tyler (10) and sister Piper (6) are very excited about their new little sister.

1998

John Albert Melchiore

Monique Rollins ’98 exhibited a solo show at the Toni & Stuart B. Young Gallery at the Delaware College of Art & Design. Curated

by Kathrine Page, the exhibit Art, Language, and Power of Contemporary Abstract Painting included large scale oil paintings, acrylic and paper collages, charcoal drawings created by Rollins in her Florence, Italy studio. The exhibition was held February 21 – March 19, 2020.

Several Archmere former faculty, staff and alumni attended the Opening Reception on Friday, February 21, 2020.

“Best of Delaware” issue, on page 39. Stephanie has most recently been appointed Art Department Chair at Archmere Academy, following the retirement of long time art teacher Terry Newitt.

2000 Stephanie Welch Silverman ’00 won First Place in the “Quarantine Life” photography contest sponsored by Delaware Today magazine, in the DIY category. Her work was featured in Delaware Today’s July 2020

2002 C.J. Hertrich ’02 and wife, Sarah, welcomed their second child, Wesley Emanuel, on April 22, 2020. Wesley weighed 7 pounds and 10 ounces, measuring 21 inches long. CJ, Sarah and big brother Roman reside in Wilmington.

2003 Lindsey Lawless Melchiore ’03 and husband David welcomed their third child, John Albert, on July 7, 2019. John has a big brother, Henry David, and big sister, Sophia Elizabeth. Lindsey and David reside in Landenberg, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Mike Gioffre ’90 organized an effort by the Delaware Dental Foundation and Platinum Dining Group to deliver 80 meals from Capers and Lemons to the Christiana and Wilmington Hospitals.

Along with the meals, he and Dr. Rob Penna ’85 delivered posters of support made by kids in the community, along with masks and gloves donated from Dr. Gioffre’s First State Dental.

Dr. Richard Slatcher ’91, the Gail M. Williamson Distinguished Professor of Psychology, worked with two international colleagues to determine the psychological effects of a decrease in face-toface communication with their “Love in the Time of COVID” project. Dr. Slatcher and collaborators are gathering data through a survey, hoping to connect with as many people as possible from around the world and hear stories of how the pandemic is altering their relationships and well-being.

Gabriella F. Vasile ’09, a Dermatology Resident at Larkin Community Hospital just outside of Miami created a clothing line to help support those affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The line is fittingly titled [together.] as this crisis is a time that she feels everyone should come together to help support small businesses and frontline healthcare workers.

Gregory N. Jasani ’10, a resident at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, shares frontline details about what it has been like fighting the pandemic from a Maryland emergency room. “We’re doing the best that we can, but a lot of us feel like we’re just fighting a tsunami against this, and you know it’s going to keep going and going.”

Bradley Bakst ’13, a medical student at PCOM, was part of a large volunteer effort, Medical Students for Masks, who collected donations for hospitals facing severe Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) shortages in Philadelphia. As of July 27, 2020, the group raised $80,771 and were able to provide over 25,000 masks, face shields, and other supplies to nearby hospitals.

Terry Newitt Farewell Freelance artist Mark Smith ’86 nonored retiring art teacher Terry Newitt with a “thank you and farewell” video greeting. The pandemic forced the cancellation of the annual Fine Arts Festival, which Smith had hoped to attend and pay tribute to Terry in person.

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

61

Daniel Brooks ’03

Richard Hartmann, III ’04

Taylor ’04 and Margaret Wood Dunn ’04 with baby Alice

Jamie Wohlhagen ’04 and Ryan Emptage ’04

Margarete Kuha

Daniel J. Brooks ’03 and wife, Dana, welcomed the birth of their second child, Lily Madison, on January 22, 2020. Lily was 6 pounds, 8 ounces and 18.75 inches long. Lily’s older sister is Emma who is 3. Father Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem. baptized Lily on July 18, 2020 at Saint Andrew Church, Newtown, PA. Dan and his family recently moved from Chesterfield, NJ to Newtown, PA. Dan is a Vice President at BlackRock, an IShares Product Consultant supporting their ETF franchise across BlackRock’s US retail business.

Christine O’Neill Kuha ’08 and her husband welcomed their second baby girl, Margarete, on July 29, 2020. Maggie joins older sister Lily, age 2.

2004 Richard J. Hartmann, III ’04 and wife, Ashley, welcomed the birth of their first child, Charlotte Kenah, on September 14, 2019. Charlotte was 7 pounds, 3 ounces and 20.75 inches long. Father Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem. baptized Charlotte on August 15, 2020 at Saint Andrew Church,

62

THE ARCHMEREAN

Newtown, PA. Rick and his family live in Newtown, PA. Rick is Vice President of Broking at Guy Carpenter & Company LLC; he helps provide insurance companies with access to alternate forms of capital and risk management solutions.

Julie Paige Emptage, the daughter of Jamie Wohlhagen ’04 and Ryan Emptage ’04, was baptized by Father McLaughlin at Immaculate Heart of Mary on Sunday, August 23, 2020.

Taylor W. Dunn ’04 and Margaret Wood Dunn ’04 welcomed their first child, Alice Dunn on April 4, 2020. Baby Alice was 7.5 pounds and 21 inches long.

2008 R.J. Malseed ’08 and wife Rachael welcomed a baby girl, Georgia Anne, on June 10, 2020.

Georgia weighed 7 pounds and 10 ounces, measuring 19.5 inches long.

FALL 2020

William D. Mulhearn ’08 has accepted a position as a Materials Engineer AST for NASA at the Goddard Space Center in Maryland. He completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

2009 Elise M. Turek ’09 married Craig Myers on August 31, 2019 at Penn Oaks Club in West Chester, PA. The wedding party included the following alumni: Carly Landini Place ’09 as Matron of Honor, Maria Tarabicos ’09 as a bridesmaid, and Elise’s brother Evan Turek ’13, as a groomsman. Also in attendance were fellow Archmere graduates: Richard Turek III ’00, Amanda Turek Curatola ’04, Rachael Phillips

William Mulhearn ’08

’08, Julia Matyas Sullivan ’09 and Kenneth Sullivan ’08. Elise graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2013 with a degree in Finance & Marketing. Upon graduation, Elise began working at T. Rowe Price in Maryland where she is now a Senior Accountant. The newlyweds honeymooned in Fiji and reside in Maryland.

2010 Avery D. Ciarrocchi ’10 married Ed Oliva on November 9, 2019 at The Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in New York City.

The couple met in 2015 while teaching at public middle school, MS 442, in Brooklyn, NY. Avery teaches 8th grade English and Ed teaches 7th grade math.

Archmere alumni in attendance include Avery’s six siblings: Carly ’04, Justine ’06, CJ ’07, Miranda ’09, Mary Bryan ’09, and Samantha ’12. Additional alumni include: Kevin Shields Sr. ’73, Kevin Shields Jr. ’07, Alexander Tosi ’07, Patrick McNeal ’07,

Avery Ciarrocchi ’10

Rebecca Peet ’14

William Raisis ’07, Travis St. Clair ’07, PJ Succoso ’09, Samuel Weaver ’10, Alexandra Glavin Kurtysh ’10, Erin Bohannan ’10, Connor Freeh ’10, Alisa Raisis ’10, Michael Ambrogi ’11, Christopher Ambrogi ’11, Liam Freeh ’14, and Pauline Raisis ’15.

2014 Rebecca F. Peet ’14 recently took a position working for the Department of Environmental Protection in New York City, focusing on climate resiliency and flooding mitigation. Becca’s team builds green infrastructure projects across the city - these are sustainable stormwater management systems that redirect or naturally infiltrate storm water to mitigate issues such as intense runoff that pollutes the city’s waterways or sewage overflow into buildings.

Noah Niumataiwalu ’16

2016 Noah Niumataiwalu ’16 recently graduated from St. Joseph’s University and will join his brother on the Australian rugby team, Manly Marlins. Noah played for SJU Hawks in the US Collegiate League and was picked for the Collegiate All Americans.

Caroline S. Buck ’16 graduated this spring from College of Charleston as a Global Scholar after studying Spanish & Communications in Czech Republic, Austria and Italy.

Presley R. Conaty ’16 graduated this spring from College of Charleston as a Global Scholar after studying Hospitality & Tourism in Spain.

Benjamin Revak ’16 was the recipient of the CACC Men’s Lacrosse Top XVI Award. Ben is also a communications major, with a minor in journalism and

Barbara Boylan ’16

Emily Rosato ’18

was inducted to Chi Alpha Sigma in 2019. He is a two-time member of both the Chestnut Hill College Dean’s List (Fall 2018, Fall 2019) and the Chestnut Hill College Athletics Academic Honor Roll (Fall 2018, Fall 2019).

Barbara Boylan ’16 was awarded the Outstanding BFA in Fine Art Award from the Studio Arts Faculty at the The Corcoran School of the Arts and Design.

“I will never forget how I got my start at Archmere Academy and really enjoyed all of my classes, especially the wheel throwing and black and white photo classes with Ms. Hoffman.

My time spent during class, free time or after school at the Manor were some of my favorite memories. It will always remain my favorite building on campus and hope it continues to inspire new art students.” Barbara’s

Senior Exhibition NEXT will be exhibited in the spring of 2021 at The Corcoran.

2018 Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs has awarded Emily Rosato ’18 with the 2020 BLS Aspiring Delaware CPA Award. University of Delaware surprised this year’s award recipients at the Lerner College of Business & Economics Honor’s Day. Emily earned herself a spot in the BLS Externship Program.

Danielle N. Cuoco ’18, a rising junior at Elon University, is the Music Director for the school’s oldest a cappella group, Twisted Measure. Her responsibilities include running weekly rehearsals, publishing music on streaming sites, coordinating the group’s recording schedule and choosing which music to sing.

WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT OUR ALUMNI ARE UP TO!

If you have any news or updates, please be sure to send them to Ainsley Hertrich Palladino ’05 at apalladino@archmereacademy.com or call her at 302.798.6632, ext. 757.

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

63

East Coast Alumni Tour In March, Archmere launched the East Coast Alumni Tour, which included a series of networking and social gatherings to promote alumni engagement.

Alumni Gathering in Naples, FL

Alumni Gathering in Boca Raton, FL

Left to right: Kert Anzilotti ’61, Diane Marinelli, Mike Boyd ’59, Ruth Boyd, Francis Hutchins ’61, and Cliff Anzilotti ’59

Left to right: Dr. Michael Marinelli ’76, Chris Burke ’82, his sons Sean, Caleb, and wife Jennfier.

Class of 1985 Virtual Gathering Virtual hangouts and happy hours are getting more and more common these days. On April 3, members from the class of 1985 met virtually on Zoom. Pictured left to right starting at the top: Doug Corrigan ’85, Bob Kennedy ’85, Neil Dougherty ’85, Pat Udovich ’85, Dave Buchanan ’85, Tom Mallon ’85, Chris Beck ’85, Liz Smith Brown ’85, Craig Marvel ’95, Stephanie McCann Marvel ’85, Kathy Walsh Zawicki ’85, Dan Cauley ’85, Michaelle DeBaecke Khatchadourian ’85, Pete Beck ’85, Jay Storm ’86, and Les Sweeney ’85.

Coach Moglia Celebration Virtual Gathering On August 10, several members from the early 1970’s football team met virtually to celebrate Coach Joseph Moglia being named a part of the 2010-19 Big South Football All-Decade Team.

64

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

Archmere Alumni Class Representatives Meet On March 3, 2020 the Archmere Alumni Class Representatives met where they received an overview of the school directly from Headmaster Michael Marinelli ’76.

(Pictured left to right) Theresa Carroll ’85, Jim Pace ’81, Chris Sanna ’05, Tom Mengers ’10, Victoria Sweeney ’06, John Nowaczyk ’87, Michael Marinelli ’76, Pat McNamara ’81, Dan Durkin ’60, Jack Denney ’63, Katie Sahm ’90, Mike Pembroke ’71, Noelle Lauer-Paregian ’94, John Vaile ’16, Stephanie Penna Lutz ’83, Jackie Longobardi Becker ’83, and Marty Devine ’74.

Alumni Community Archmere’s Faculty & Staff

19% 89 of Archmere’s

Faculty & Staff are Alumni!

1. Carl Campion ’76 Director of Operations 1

2

2. Michael Marinelli ’76 Headmaster

3

3. Christopher Mascioli ’78 Mathematics Teacher 4. Michael Walsh ’80 Driver’s Education Teacher 5. Elaine Fry Reilly ’83 Chief Advancement Officer

4

5

6

6. Damien Demincki ’86 Stage Band Director

7

7. Danyele Pannell Dove ’93 Director of Guidance, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 8. Denise Alexander Starnes ’93 Admissions & Marketing Coordinator 9. Joanna Marinelli Doroh ’00 Guidance Counselor

8

9

10. Stephanie Welch Silverman ’00 Art Department Chair

10

11. Ainsley Hertrich Palladino ’05 Alumni Relations & Annual Giving Manager 12. Matthew Krass ’06 Mathematics Teacher 11

12

13

13. Francesca Pileggi ’06 Guidance Counselor

14

14. Colleen Deemer ’07 World Languages & Cultures Teacher 15. Thomas Mengers ’10 Theology Teacher, Alumni Council Treasurer 16. Kevin Seltzer ’10 Science Teacher 15

16

17. Joseph (JR) Creekmore ’11 Science Teacher

17

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

65

Alumni Spotlight |

Q&A with Emmett J. Bice ’18

Keeping the Faith Emmet Bice’s Inspiring Personal Journey to Division 1 Baseball

By Stephanie Silverman, Editor WHILE A STUDENT AT ARCHMERE, EMMETT PLAYED DRUMS FOR THE STAGE BAND FOR FOUR YEARS, VARSITY BASEBALL FOR FOUR YEARS, PARTICIPATED IN MOCK TRIAL, AND WAS A KAIROS LEADER, ELECTED BY HIS PEERS TO SERVE AS RECTOR. Emmett took a gap year

between Archmere and his freshmen year of college, and triumphed over serious health-related setbacks.

Overcoming significant odds, Emmett now plays Division 1 baseball at College of Charleston in Charleston, SC and is a current sophomore. Emmett credits the foundation of his Archmere education with his tenacity and grit, and acknowledged the important role his faith has played in his experiences. I spoke with Emmett to share his story of resilience and unwavering optimism.

Tell us about what you remember most from your four years at Archmere.

The first thing that comes to mind is Band with Mr. Demnicki. I loved Band for four years straight, each and every day. He just really creates an amazing environment where everyone enjoys getting better together, as a unit. We also traveled to Disney World and New Orleans to play jazz. Those two trips will always be in my mind as some of my favorite memories. Mrs. Hendrixson, RN, is also one of my most favorite people – she just takes such good care of everyone. I still check in with her and we stay in touch. Mr. Manelski was also always so professional in the classroom, but I always appreciated how he was always his authentic self. I’ve used his model as an example for how I want to live my life, to not be afraid to be who you really are, and to always be yourself.

66

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

You took a gap year before enrolling at College of Charleston in Charleston, SC. Could you please share more information about the circumstances of your decision, and some details about how you spent your gap year?

I actually went through the whole college search and application process at Archmere during my junior year. The College Counselors there are very helpful, and I went through the entire process as any student would, but then in December of my senior year I learned I would need my third open heart surgery to replace a heart valve. I had one when I was four days old, and one when I was eight years old.

Instead of rushing in the spring during senior year to have my surgery, I decided to schedule it for August of 2018 and deferred a couple of colleges. I continued to play Varsity Baseball during the spring of my senior year at Archmere.

After a 12-week recovery, I began working as a carpenter for a man named Aaron Whomsley in October of 2018. Prior to my surgery, I couldn’t lift more than half of my body weight. But once I recovered from the surgery, then I could train at night without any lifting restrictions, and I was able to put on weight, boost my athletic performance, and rebuild myself.

Typically schools are done recruiting their incoming freshmen class by May of the year schools begin, and Division 1 schools usually finish their recruiting two years ahead (for both seniors and juniors), so I knew playing baseball for Charleston was a long shot. But thanks to my trainer, in April 2019, I was able to meet with Coach Holbrook while I was visiting the school. I told him my story, and he said given the timing, he couldn’t offer me a guaranteed roster spot or a scholarship. I decided that the College of Charleston was the place for me. When I arrived at the school in the fall of 2019, I began training and practicing with the baseball team.

The fall training season is a tryout period, with 49 possible players and only 35 roster spots. I was essentially what is called a “walk on,” I was not recruited, and you need to keep showing up until they tell you not to. When you are a recruit, you do all of your housing and your classes through the baseball program. Since I wasn’t connected with the baseball team, I lived with five random guys, so I didn’t really have that true “student athlete” experience from a structural standpoint.

Practice would run anywhere between 1-6 pm; we would lift three or four times The past year has been challenging for a week, and have eight study hall hours per week. All along, I never had that many people across the globe with the guarantee that I would have a spot, but I kept showing up.

COVID-19 pandemic. What can you share The first game was scheduled for February 14, and we didn’t find out if we made from your personal experience that might the team until February 9. Essentially, I was living as a student athlete without the inspire others to stay optimistic in order to built-in support infrastructure as the others. This is where the self-trust and belief triumph over personal adversity? came in. There was no “catch net” there. I was spending all of this time investing I think at Archmere, there is a lot of responsibility, in a dream with no guarantee with no guarantee, but I continued because I had a lot of hard, rigorous academic the confidence that my hard work would pay off. I made work, and I believe in order to my debut (first college appearance) at Youngstown State succeed, a kind of “self-trust,” is Emmett credits the University on February 22, 2020. developed. A belief in yourself. I foundation of his wanted to be good at band, get good What role does your faith play in carrying you Archmere education with grades, serve as a leader in Kairos, through challenging times? Was your faith his tenacity and grit, foundation strengthened at Archmere? and be involved in Mock Trial. I I grew up in a Catholic family, we attended church every really learned, especially during my and acknowledged the Sunday. I was enrolled in St. Maximilian Kolbe grade senior year, that self-trust is crucial important role his faith has school in West Chester PA. I’ve have grown up in the faith. in order to succeed. I learned that played in his experiences.

I decided to go on the Kairos retreat in November of I had to trust myself and trust that my senior year at Archmere, and it is the experience and I was capable, even if I didn’t see memory I cherish most from my Archmere high school years. It is something it yet. Clubs, Stage Band, academics, athletics – that I will always carry with me. Kairos is a distinctive piece of the Archmere everything is intense and time consuming, but you experience. Kairos fortified my authentic individual faith. are building a resilience and capability. At Archmere Kairos is also where my relationship with Father Joseph McLaughlin was I took every single opportunity I could get. forged. I immediately applied for leadership as soon as it was over, and I was I had really hoped to go to a Division 3 school elected by the other seven student Kairos leaders to serve as Rector, or the leader to play baseball after graduating from Archmere, of the student leaders, the person who works most closely with the ministry and had my sights set on Catholic University. But running the retreat. after the surgery, I discovered I was able to throw harder, and was able to redesign myself as a pitcher.

As we are all collectively challenged to remain hopeful and optimistic, My trainer, Mike Manning, was acquainted with Emmett’s inspiring story is a reminder that with faith, persistence, and hope, Coach Holbrook at College of Charleston in South all things are possible.

Carolina. He put me in touch with him and I went down to visit and I just fell in love with the school.

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

67

Introducing the 2020-2021 Alumni Council THE ALUMNI COUNCIL CONSISTS OF FIFTEEN DEDICATED ALUMNI WHO WORK TOGETHER TO ORGANIZE MULTIPLE EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR: Golf & Tennis

Outing, Sports Hall of Fame Banquet, and Memorial Mass, just to name a few. If you have attended these events, you know that the Auk spirit thrives within our alumni community.

Alumni are the school’s living history – when you leave, you carry with you the traditions and heritage that make Archmere so unique. Life at Archmere should not end when you graduate, and it is our hope that this community which has helped shape you as both a student and young adult, is what ultimately brings you back.

Your involvement is key to continue the momentum of a robust alumni program, one that will offer networking and social opportunities that contribute to a stronger and more spirited Archmere community. Perhaps you are interested in becoming a Class Rep or mentoring a young alumnus within our AUKS Connect program. If you have an idea or suggestion, we strongly encourage you to get involved with the Alumni Council in some capacity. All questions or inquiries should be directed to Ainsley Palladino ’05, Annual Giving & Alumni Relations Manager at alumni@archmereacademy.com or 302.798.6632, ext. 757.

We welcome the Alumni Council members for 2020-2021!

Jamie Wohlhagen ’04, President Jamie graduated from Archmere Academy in 2004. After completing her B.S. in Biology from Lehigh University, she earned her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2012 from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.

She is currently practicing at Delaware Ophthalmology Consultants (Wilmington) specializing in Pediatrics and Strabismus.

She serves on the Delaware Board for Vision to Learn, a non-profit organization that provides eye exams and glasses to children. Jamie is married to Ryan Emptage ’04 and looks forward to the day when her daughter, Julie Paige Emptage, is a part of the graduating Class of 2038!

Erin McNichol ’92, Vice President Erin graduated from Archmere Academy in 1992 and went on to Ursinus College.

While serving as Archmere’s Director of Development & Alumni Relations (2012 to 2018), Erin was fortunate to develop a

68

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

rapport with alums of various years and interests. Archmere is a unique bond that alumni are fortunate to share and offers tremendous networking resources for both the alumni and parent communities.

Now working in Business Development at Morgan Lewis, Erin leads the firm’s global alumni relations program.

Tom Mengers ’10, Treasurer Tom graduated from Archmere Academy in 2010 and then attended Saint Vincent College where he received a B.A in Theology and a minor in Criminology. Tom is in his seventh year teaching Theology and Social Justice at Archmere. He coaches football, softball, and serves as the team chaplain for both football and men’s basketball teams, and acts as a class moderator for the Student Council. Tom currently serves on the Board of Directors at St. Edmond’s Academy and is working on his master’s degree in Pastoral Theology from St. Joseph’s College of Maine.

Diane Latini-McIntyre ’84, Secretary Diane graduated from Archmere Academy in 1984 and went on to receive her BS in Fashion Merchandising from Philadelphia University. Diane has been employed

by ABBVIE for the last twenty years and currently promotes Humira (adalimumab) to Gastroenterologists in the Philadelphia area. Due to the nature of her work, Diane has become involved with the Crohn’s and Colitis foundation of America. She is the proud mother of three fellow Auks: Nicholas ’15, Kyle ’17, and Lauren ’22.

David Kubacki ’92, Immediate Past President David graduated from Archmere Academy in 1992, received his BA in Psychology and English from Case Western Reserve University, and earned his Master’s in Education at Wilmington University.

David worked at Nativity Preparatory School for over a decade before he founded ViaDel Consulting Group where he works with corporations, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations to unlock their potential and build powerful systems and teams. As a LEGO Serious Play Certified Facilitator, David uses play to uncover the latent knowledge of all team members.

Kathleen Shields Anderson ’97 Kathleen graduated from Archmere Academy in 1997 and then studied Political Science at College of the Holy Cross. She holds a J.D. from Villanova University School of Law and an MBA from Temple University Fox School of Business. Kathleen presently serves as Director of Operations & External Affairs for the Division of Public Safety at the University of Pennsylvania. Before arriving at Penn, Kathleen served the City of Philadelphia as an Assistant District Attorney, prosecuting major felony cases, and participating in efforts to improve pretrial charging procedures. Kathleen lives in Philadelphia with her husband and son.

Welcome to our Newest Council Members Michael Blahusch ’04

Dennis Lynch ’82

Orcel Kounga ’12

After graduating from Archmere Academy in 2004, Michael attended Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Shortly after graduating from St. Joe’s, he returned to Hawk Hill to pursue his MBA with a concentration in Finance. With over 10 years of experience in the financial industry, Michael is now the President and Co-owner of Cornerstone Capital Planning Group in Philadelphia where he serves as a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP), Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC), and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor® (CRPC). Michael and his wife Lauren reside in Lancaster County and welcomed their first baby girl, Ruby Ryan Blahusch, in October 2019.

Dennis graduated from Archmere Academy in 1982, as the fourth member of his family to graduate from Archmere. After graduating from Penn State University, Dennis continued his education and earned an MBA and an MS in Human Resource Management. He is a senior executive at Temple University and has a background in educational funding.

Dennis is active in the community and has received board appointments by the previous two governors of Pennsylvania. Dennis has two adult children and resides in Drexel Hill, PA with his wife, Adrianne, and dog, Reilly.

Orcel graduated from Archmere Academy in 2012 and was heavily involved as a leader of the Student Council and editor of the school yearbook. He is a graduate of Drexel University (B.S. Engineering) and recently received his Master’s in Higher Education Management & Leadership from University of Pennsylvania. He is the Assistant Director of Student Conduct and a Residential Director for Housing & Residence Life at Drexel University, managing the judicial process for campus by adjudicating and investigating cases for academic integrity and student conduct violations.

Orcel is also a co-lecturer/teaching assistant at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education teaching Contemporary Issues in Higher Education.

Martin Devine ’74 Marty graduated from Archmere Academy in 1974 and proudly raised four sons who attended Archmere as well: Joseph ’04, Patrick ’10, Sean ’15 and Michael ’18. Marty is a graduate of the Air Force War College and the Naval War College with a Master’s degree in National Security Strategic Studies specializing in African Strategic Studies.

Marty is a retired senior Army officer and is now Director of Information Security for Trinity Health System in Newtown Square, PA. He resides in Wilmington with his wife, Kelly.

Alexis Furlong ’06 After graduating Archmere Academy in 2006, Alexis went on to study at The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., where she graduated with a major in History and minors in both Media Studies and Secondary Education. She currently works as the Director of Marketing & Communications at Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia and resides in Media, PA.

Katie Sahm ’90 Katie graduated from Archmere Academy in 1990 and went on to graduate from Lafayette College with a BS in Biology. She later earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Jefferson Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She completed her general surgery residency at Christiana Care Health System where she served as Chief Resident from 2004-2005. She serves in the US Army Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel and completed two tours in Iraq in 2008-2009, and 2011. She has been active in the Delaware community as a member of the Board of Directors of Henrietta Johnson Medical Center since 2010.

Christopher Sanna ’05 Chris graduated from Archmere Academy in 2005 and then went on to attend Ursinus College where he received a B.A. in History and a minor in Education. Chris earned his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Wilmington University to assist in his position as a teacher and coach at Conrad Schools of Science and most recently, Tower Hill School. In 2018, Chris changed professions and joined his family’s commercial roofing company, Tri-State The Roofers, where he had worked every summer since attending Archmere. Chris resides in Wilmington with his wife, Lisle, and children Bray (6), Munro (4), Sutton (2), and baby four due in November.

Erin Moffitt ’11 Erin graduated from Archmere Academy in 2011 and went on to graduate from Drexel University in 2015 with a B.S. in Business Administration. She works as a Financial Advisor at Delaware Valley Advisors, LLC and has over six years of management and ownership experience at different startups as well as a background in small business marketing and consulting.

She lives in Philadelphia with her dog Tully.

Cara Nedbalski ’14 Cara graduated from Archmere Academy in 2014 and Immaculata University in 2018. She received her bachelor’s degree in Early Elementary and Special Education. Cara has worked in the Garnet Valley School District at Concord Elementary as a permanent building substitute and for the past year has held the position of a Special Education Teacher for Early Intervention at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit.

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

69

In Memoriam “ Do not let your hearts be troubled.

You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”

Mr. Dominic L. Gonzon, Sr. March 15, 2020 Father of Lisa A. Gonzon ’86 Mrs. Pamela B. Thomas March 16, 2020 Mother of Bradley ’96 and Brent ’98 (attended Archmere 1995-1996) Thomas Mrs. Ann Healy Kelly April 1, 2020 Wife of the late Robert F. Kelly, Sr. ’36 (+ 1998), mother of Robert F. Kelly, Jr. ’70, and sister of the late James V. Healy ’49 (former Archmere Trustee) Mrs. Margaret G. Hotmer Smith April 2, 2020 Grandmother of Mrs. Peggy Zugehar, Administrative Assistant to the Principal and great grandmother of Victoria Zugehar ’12 Mrs. Regina Weinrich April 3, 2020 Mother-in-law of William F. Githens ’64 (former Archmere Trustee), and maternal grandmother of William ’88, Michael ’90, Brian ’92, Marie Pat (Romano) ’94, and Matthew ’96 Githens Mr. Nicholas Trainer April 16, 2020 Father of Nicholas ’83, Carron ’85, Maureen ’88, and Brian ’83 Trainer, Former Archmere Trustee, and the maternal grandfather of Jack ’14 and Maggie ’17 Malloy Mrs. Nora L. Sylvestre April 18, 2020 Mother of Victoria Sylvestre ’13, President of Archmere’s Mother’s Guild 2012-13

70

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

JOHN 14:1

Brother Joseph W. Mulholland, O.Praem.

April 19, 2020 Archmere staff member from 1997-2001

Mrs. Ellen G. Laskowski May 1, 2020 Paternal grandmother of Jennifer ’00, Lindsay ’03, Craig ’07, and Eric ’11 Laskowski

Mrs. Mary Christine Fry April 20, 2020 Mother of Karen Fry Wisniewski ’81 and Elaine Fry Reilly ’83, and maternal grandmother of Patrick ’13, Keelin ’17, and Melina ’20 Reilly.

Mrs. Catherine M. Falgowski May 8, 2020 Paternal grandmother of Cory ’97, Kyle ’99 and Ryan ’02 Falgowski

Mr. Francis T. Foti April 22, 2020 Maternal grandfather of Geoffrey Boylston ’10 Dr. Peter V. Palena April 22, 2020 Father of Peter ’81, Susan ’82, David ’85, and Scott ’87 Palena

Mr. Eldon duPont Homsey May 11, 2020 Father of Margaretta Kroeger ’00 and Catherine Macey-McLeod ’04 Mrs. Anne F. Benedetto May 20, 2020 Mother of Daniel J. Benedetto ’75 Mrs. Gertrude G. Cloud May 23, 2020 Mother of Robert M. Cloud ’76

Mr. J. Ronald Fidler ’49 April 23, 2020

Mr. Thomas W. Bunce ’65 May 24, 2020

Mr. Andrew E. Sibiski ’12 April 23, 2020 Son of Francis J. Lucey, Jr. ’79, and brother of Meghan ’08 and Kelly ’11 Sibiski and Katie ’11, Conor ’12, and Kelly ’15 Lucey

Mrs. Elaine V. Cirillo May 24, 2020 Maternal grandmother of Abigail Gilbert ’19

Mr. Robert A. Fuller ’60 April 28, 2020 Brother of the late Stephen ’71 and the late David ’73 Fuller Mr. Ralph L. Nather April 29, 2020 Paternal grandfather of Barbara Nather ’22 Mr. Frank J. Carlino ’49 May 1, 2020

Mr. Amarachi I. Chukwunenye ’20 May 28, 2020 Mrs. Joanne R. Micallef May 28, 2020 Mother of Julie Micallef Baron ’81 and Jane Micallef Klinger ’87 Mrs. Adlyn B. Ciampoli June 11, 2020 Mother of Harold E. Jr. ’79 and Joseph A. ’86 Ciampoli and the paternal grandmother of Anthony ’18, Daniel ’20, and Michael ’23 Ciampoli

Mrs. Lila Rosa Palenzuela Leon June 21, 2020 Mother of Victoria Leon, former Assistant to the Headmaster

Kimberly Jackson Williams ’93 July 19, 2020 Sister of Kathleen Jackson Zylka ’91 and Joseph Jackson ’97

Mrs. Nicolina C. Marino June 24, 2020 Mother of Joseph F. ’70, Charles F. ’80, and the late Daniel ’65 Marino, and the maternal grandmother of Lena Liebner Gebelein ’00 and Daniel Liebner ’06

Mr. Robert J. Touhey ’66 July 24, 2020

Mrs. Caroline A. Lucia June 28, 2020 Mother of Francis J. Lucia III, ’80

Mrs. Veda T. Fantini July 28, 2020 Wife of George Fantini ’52

Mr. Michael A. McVeigh June 28, 2020 Husband of Paula McVeigh, former Archmere receptionist (2002-2009), and the father of Rachel ’94 and Brian ’99 McVeigh

Mr. Michael McDonald July 30, 2020 Father of Shawn McDonald ’89

Mr. John H. Doherty ’51 June 29, 2020 Father of Thomas Doherty ’90 and brother of the late Gerald ’39, the late Philip ’40, and the late William ’45 Doherty Mrs. Carol C. Hyde July 1, 2020 Wife of the late John F. Hyde, Jr. 48 and mother of John F. III ’74 and James C. ’82 Hyde Mr. Stanley J. Goralski, Jr. ’63 July 5, 2020 Mr. Orazio A. Maggitti July 10, 2020 Father of Mrs. Karen Corsi, President of Archmere’s Mothers Guild 2004-2005, and the maternal grandfather of Gerard ’01, Stephanie ’05 and Christopher ’13 Corsi Mrs. Karla S. Tobar July 11, 2020 Mother of Peter L ’80 and Richard U. ’82 Tobar Mrs. Deanna G. Shanley July 13, 2020 Mother of Elissa Shanley Davis ’90 and Johanna Shanley Westenbroek ’92 Mr. Frank S. Montisano, Sr. July 15, 2020 Father of Frank S. Montisano, Jr. ’75

Rest in Peace

Dr. Camilo A. Gopez July 28, 2020 Father of Melissa (Sheehan) ’87, Jonas ’88, Carlo ’91, and Camilo ’96 Gopez

Mr. James Giggey July 31, 2020 Father of Paul Giggey ’83 Mrs. Mary C. Naczi August 7, 2020 Mother of Dr. Robert F. Naczi ’81 John T. Hogan August 25, 2020 Father of Kevin M. ’80 and Brian J. ’84 Hogan Sally R. Cottrell August 30, 2020 Paternal grandmother of William ’11 and Catherine ’14 Cottrell Also, deaths for whom notice was received recently: Mrs. Judy Smith June 19, 2019 Mother of M. Gordon Daniels ’79

Amarachi Ivan Chukwunenye ’20 JANUARY 20, 2002 – MAY 28, 2020

The response of our students and families to Amarachi’s passing was overwhelming and heartwarming, beginning with so many teachers and students participating in a prayer and remembrance service.

His classmates and families wrote notes of condolence to Amarachi’s family and left behind flowers in a memorial to Amarachi on Sunday, May 31, as the seniors picked up their graduation gift boxes.

Mr. Jordan delivered all of the cards and notes, along with Amarachi’s gift box to his family at their home.

The name, “Amarachi” means “Grace of God” and it comes from Nigeria, combining two words: “Amara,” which means “grace,” and “Chi,” which means “God.” We pray then that Amarachi is in God’s Grace as he shares the joys of heaven with his Creator.

Mrs. Antoinette Ryan November 14, 2019 Mother of James E. Ryan ’88 and the paternal grandmother of Abigail Ryan ’22 Mr. Donald T. Coughlin ’58 January 10, 2020 Brother of Daniel T. Coughlin, Jr. 55 Mr. Gerard P. Burke ’48 February 9, 2020

Amarachi’s Archmere diploma was accepted by his younger brother on June 27.

FALL 2020

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

71

Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence in the Visual Arts COMPLETED IN 1918, ARCHMERE’S “MANOR HALL” (KNOWN BY MOST AS “THE MANOR”) IS ALSO ON THE NATIONAL REGISTRY OF HISTORIC PLACES, ALONG WITH THE PATIO MANSION. It originally housed the servants for the Raskob family, and served as the garage for the automobiles owned by the family.

Father Stephen Rossey, O. Praem. was invited to Archmere in the fall of 1971 with the caveat that he develop a visual art department. At the beginning of his second semester, he was asked to teach a survey course in art history, which was held in the library of the Patio.

This was followed by a course in basic drawing in the library and outdoors, and a course in printmaking (serigraphy) which Father Rossey taught in the Patio kitchen, which wasn’t being used at the time as the Norbertines ate all their meals in the basement cafeteria of St. Norbert Hall with the boarders.

As the science department was relocated to the Justin E. Diny Science Building in 1973, only the first floor of the Manor became available for art classes, the first floor being reserved for some religion classes and a student center. When those programs moved to St. Norbert Hall, the false ceilings were removed from the first floor, creating two large studios. Father Rossey recalls, “I taught art history in the room facing Philadelphia Pike on the first floor and printmaking in the second floor studio. The wrestling coach, Kevin Martin ’62, taught mechanical drawing in the room next to the office at the top of the stairs. Terry Newitt took over the first floor studios for drawing and painting, and then Terry became the new wrestling coach. The car repair room, with the pit in the floor, became the Yearbook room.

When my teaching load was lessened, as I took on more projects, Marie Keane was hired.”

The extraordinary Manor building offers 5,786 square feet of dedicated art studio space and continues to house Archmere’s nationally recognized visual art program, celebrating its Golden Anniversary this year.

72

THE ARCHMEREAN

FALL 2020

Manor Construction, December 4, 1916

This summer, the entire second floor of the Manor building was renovated to accommodate social distancing and ensure continuity of programmatic excellence, despite the logistical challenges of art instruction presented by the pandemic. 42% of Archmere’s student body is enrolled in at least one of our 13 studio art elective course offerings.

Archmere continues to rely on the generosity and philanthropic support of our entire extended global community to help us bridge the gap between our tuition revenue and operational expenses.

Please consider making your tax deductible gift today.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 38 Southeastern, PA

3600 Philadelphia Pike | Claymont, DE 19703 ArchmereAcademy.com

PARENTS OF ALUMNI If this magazine is addressed to a son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please e-mail us at datachange@archmereacademy.com with his or her new mailing address.

GOING GREEN If you wish to only view The Archmerean electronically and would like to be removed from our physical mailing list, please email datachange@archmereacademy.com.

The Archmerean is always available digitally on our website in the “News & Happenings” section, and on ISSUU.com.

WE ARE INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL to the generosity of our many donors for helping us to achieve our $700,000 goal to replace the turf on Coach’s Field this spring.